Rugby: Australia still without skipper Hooper but with Foley against Springboks

Regular Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has not been included in the 35-man squad for the two Rugby Championship matches against South Africa in Adelaide on August 27 and Sydney on September 3, while fly-half Bernard Foley has returned.

Hooper walked out on his teammates the day before the Wallabies’ first two games in Argentina, saying he was not in the “right frame of mind” to play. Australia won the first game (41-26) but suffered a heavy slump in the second game (48-17).

Coach Dave Rennie said he had “no clear idea” when Hooper (121 caps) would return, replacing prop James Slipper as captain, as did the Pumas.

Foley, 32, was called up for the first time since the 2019 World Cup. The 71-cap flyhalf, who plays for Kubota Spears in Japan, gets another chance in the absence of Quade Cooper and James O’, who were injured for the season. Connor was not selected after a lackluster performance in Argentina.

A group of 35 Australians:

Alan Alalatova, Rory Arnold, Angus Bell, Jack Campbell, Bon Famousili, Folau Fainga, Lalakai Fogeti, Bernard Foley, Nick Frost, Langy Gleeson, Jack Gordon, Reece Hodge, Jett Holloway, Len Igitau, Marika Kellaway, Koroibet, Rob Leota, Noah Lolezio, Lachlan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Fraser McGreyd, Hunter Bysamy, Jordan Petaya, Matt Phillip, David Borecki, Pete Samu, Scott Seo, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Danila V Lubiniva, Danila V Dubiniva, Nick White, Harry Wilson, Tom Wright