Wallabies captain Hooper cleared for Bledisloe opener

Australia captain Michael Hooper has been confirmed fit to start in the opening Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup test against the All Blacks on Saturday after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Australia captain Michael Hooper has been confirmed fit to start in the opening Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup test against the All Blacks on Saturday after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Flanker Hooper was named in a 28-man squad released by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika on Sunday, with prop Scott Sio and winger Dane Haylett-Petty also cleared to play in the Sydney match after respective shoulder and knee injuries.

The squad, trimmed down from 36, includes only two uncapped players in outside backs Tom Banks and Jack Maddocks.

Folau Faingaa, Jermaine Ainsley, Rory Arnold, Caleb Timu, Billy Meakes, Curtis Rona, Jordan Petaia and Sefa Naivalu were cut from the preliminary training squad.

Squad:

Forwards - Allan Alaalatoa, Adam Coleman, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (capt), Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Izack Rodda, Pete Samu, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou

Backs - Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Matt Tooditing

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