Michael Hooper could be set for a surprise return in Australia's spring tour-opening Test against Scotland after making an impressive comeback to the Wallabies fold.
After withdrawing from Australia's Rugby Championship opener in August due to personal reasons, the Wallabies' most-capped captain returned to full training this week.
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Initially expected to be eased back into action after being named in the 36-man touring squad on Sunday, the tireless flanker is "ready to go" and will be considered for a return at Murrayfield on October 29 (October 30 AEDT).
"He's moving in the right direction," Wallabies skipper James Slipper said before Dave Rennie's squad flew out of Sydney on Wednesday.
"He wouldn't put himself up for selection if he didn't feel like he was ready to contribute and perform."
Even if Hooper is not picked to face the Scots, or comes off the bench, Slipper said the 121-Test stalwart and record four-times John Eales medallist is already making his mark back in Wallabies camp and had helped re-energise the squad.
"Hoops has been a big part of our team for the best part of a decade, if not more, so just to have his experience around the team - naturally that will lift the boys a fair bit," Slipper told reporters.
"He's definitely been missed. That sort of experience being taken out of the team, it was tough. It was a bit of a shock to most of the players and that's what makes it so great to see him back."
While he described Hooper's hiatus as a "breath of fresh air" for the 30-year-old, Slipper does not believe it is worth burdening the champion No.7 with the leadership just yet.
"As a good mate of his, I'm just happy that he's back and healthy. That's the main thing," Slipper said.
"Secondary to that is the captaincy. It's probably in everyone's best interests that Hoops just concentrates on himself.
"We want him enjoying himself and being happy. So I was happy to take the leadership role for the rest of the year and whatever happens in the future, that can happen."
