By Greg Stutchbury, Reuters Openside flanker Michael Hooper has been elevated to the Australian rugby team’s captaincy after hooker Stephen Moore was ruled out for the season due to a knee reconstruction. The 22-year-old Hooper had been widely expected to take the role after Moore tore his anterior and medial cruciate ligaments in his left knee in the opening minute of the Wallabies’ 50-23 victory over France in Brisbane on Saturday. Hooper, who had been appointed by coach Ewen McKenzie as one of his two vice-captains before the three-test series with France, led the side at Lang Park when Moore limped off.
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Openside flanker led side after Moore limped off against France on Saturday
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Hooper is coach Ewan McKenzie's fourth test captain
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Moore ruled out for season after tearing knee ligaments
Moore then held the job for less than a week and his first test in charge lasted less than a minute, prompting @placeholder’s media to call the job a ‘poisoned chalice’ for players selected to the role.