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Australia vs Argentina: Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper eyes top of Tri-Nations table at ground he made his international debut

  • Australia skipper returns to the ground where he made his international debut in a shock loss to Scotland
  • A win against the South Americans would put his side in pole position for the Tri-Nations title ahead of All Blacks

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Michael Hooper is tackled by Nicolas Sanchez of Argentina. The pair clash on Saturday for the Tri-Nations top of the table spot. Photo: EPA

More than 100 tests later, Australia captain Michael Hooper will return to the scene of his whirlwind debut on Saturday when the Wallabies host Argentina in Newcastle, New South Wales.

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The durable flanker featured for only about 10 minutes in his first match in 2012, which was played in some of the most wretched conditions seen in test rugby as the Wallabies suffered a shock 9-6 loss to Scotland.

Former Australia captain David Pocock ended up needing treatment for hypothermia after battling through the cyclonic wind and sheets of rain, and test rugby never returned to the port city until this week.

“It’s weird your debut night, because it goes so quick, it’s over in a flash,” Hooper told reporters on Friday.

Australia‘s Michael Hooper scores against Argentina. Photo: AP
Australia‘s Michael Hooper scores against Argentina. Photo: AP

“I was on the field for all of nine or 10 minutes in some of the worst conditions I’ve ever played in – and the loss.”

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