Wallabies captain Hooper out of Argentina clash

Australia captain Michael Hooper has been ruled out of the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship meeting with Argentina due to a hamstring injury.

Hooper trained on Thursday but the Wallabies have decided against risking the 26-year-old in Saturday’s clash on the Gold Coast.

“He felt his hamstring a bit at training yesterday afternoon and with his recent history, we just thought it was best not to push it,” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said on Friday.

“He was really keen to play this weekend but a week off will be a good thing for him to just get it right.”

David Pocock replaces Hooper at number seven and as captain, while Pete Samu moves off the bench and to number eight.

Our #AUSvARG skipper. #TRC18 #AUSvARG #GoldBlooded pic.twitter.com/ryCR1ZuBTt

— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) September 14, 2018

Australia are bottom of the Rugby Championship table after just one win in three matches.

Australia: Dane Haylett-Petty, Israel Folau, Reece Hodge, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Kurtley Beale, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Lukhan Tui, David Pocock, Pete Samu.
Replacements: Folau Faingaa, Sekope Kepu, Taniela Tupou, Adam Coleman, Ned Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Jack Maddocks.

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