Former Wallabies flank Michael Hooper believes hosts Australia could meet England in the 2027 World Cup final.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, Hooper said the momentum building in English rugby reminds him of their march to the 2003 title – when Jonny Wilkinson’s famous extra-time drop goal stunned the Wallabies in Sydney.
“This English team … they’re going to be right at the pointy end come 2027,” Hooper said. “History has a funny way of repeating itself, so it really could be an England-Australia final.”
England are riding a hot streak, unbeaten since February and on a run of 10 straight victories that includes wins over France, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia. Hooper believes that form warrants serious respect.
“That England team is now proving the fact that 10 wins in a row in the modern game is just not an easy feat,” he added. “Credit to them.”
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As for Australia, Hooper remains optimistic despite their recent stumbles.
“I do think the Wallabies have so much to offer,” he said. “They’ve come a little bit undone in the last couple of weeks, but they’re building a squad – two teams that can really put together a great squad performance.”
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Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
