Michael Hooper and James Slipper have been selected co-captains of Australia coach Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies team of the year, which includes five players who are based abroad and eight players who have yet to earned their first Test caps.
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Eddie Jones names his co-captains
Even though Hooper didn’t captain the Wallabies last year when he rejoined the squad following a three-month mental health hiatus, he already holds the record for most caps as skipper for Australia. Slipper served as captain during his absence, and Jones has chosen to capitalize on the collective 251 Wallabies caps of the players by appointing them as co-captains for the first time.
To lead Australia’s “smash and grab raid” to win the World Cup later this year, Jones claimed loose forward Hooper and front rower Slipper are the best candidates. In the first stages of this year’s condensed Wallabies Rugby Championship campaign.
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“Michael and James are both world-class players, strong leaders and embody what it means to be a Wallaby,” Jones said. “They have worked hard with the leadership group since January and it will be important they continue to have strong support from the players around them.
“Getting selected in the squad is just the start. We’ve got to build the team now and that will require hard work and getting a little bit more out of everyone involved.”
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Wallabies Rugby Championship squad
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Richie Arnold, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Matt Gibbon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, David Porecki, Pete Samu, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini.
Backs: Quade Cooper, Lalakai Foketi, Carter Gordon, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau, Marika Koroibete, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Tom Wright, Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny, Dylan Pietsch.
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