Hunt should don Wallaby gold: Hoiles

Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 10:00 AM
AAP
by AAP
Stephen Hoiles previews all the Aussie action in Round Eight of Super Rugby and speaks about the NSW government's stadium announcement and what it means for rugby.

Karmichael Hunt should run out in the Wallabies gold this year, former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles says.

Hunt has produced some of his best form in recent weeks for the Reds and Hoiles said it’s enough to earn himself a Test gig.

“I’d like to see him in an environment under Michael Cheika and Stephen Larkham and Nathan Grey just to see how good he can be,” he said.

“I’d actually be surprised if I don’t see him in a Wallaby jersey this year.

“He imposes his body on defensive rucks, he’s a savvy player around the parts of the game you would not expect.

“He’s probably played about 15 Super Rugby games but he’s just looks like he’s a calming influence.”

The Reds claimed their first victory of 2016 against the Highlanders, the same week a handful had attended a Wallabies camp.

Though, Hoiles dismissed the notion that the Wallabies camp had been the catalyst for Queensland’s opening win.

“I think that’s a bit disrespectful to the Reds coaching staff, Richard Graham got through two weeks, Nick Stiles and Matt O’Connor have taken over,” he said.

“They’ve fought closely for about four games in a row but haven’t won.

“They turned around from an attitude point of view…(Samu) Kerevi had his best game of the season, (Liam) Gill - we know what he can do.

“They’re starting to get their best players playing good footy and that helps.

“They’re  a much better side than the ladder shows.”

Watch the full video above.

 

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