Michael Hooper has been recalled to the starting XV for Australia’s European tour opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The 30-year-old flank, the Wallabies’ most-capped skipper, withdrew on the eve of the Test against Argentina in August, saying he was not in the “right mindset” to lead his country.
He then sat out the remainder of the Rugby Championship before being included in the squad for the tour of the northern hemisphere.
Hooper hasn’t played for Australia since their series-deciding loss at home to England in July, but now rejoins a back row that features Jed Holloway at blindside flank and Rob Valetini at No 8.
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He is one of several changes to Australia’s match-day 23, with Tate McDermott earning his first start of 2022 at scrumhalf, partnering Bernard Foley who will line up for his first Test against Scotland since 2017.
Ton Banks has been reinstalled at fullback, with Brumbies flyer Tom Wright on the left wing and Hunter Paisami at inside centre.
Up front, Nick Frost is set to make his second start at Test level when the Wallabies take the field on Saturday, partnering Brumbies teammate Cadeyrn Neville in the second row.
James Slipper will captain the side from loosehead prop in his 124th Test.
Australia – 15 Tom Banks, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tom Wright, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Jed Holloway, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 David Porecki, 1 James Slipper (c)
Subs: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Ned Hanigan, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Nic White, 22 Noah Lolesio, 23 Jock Campbell.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: EPA/Dave Hunt
