Michael Hooper declared fit ahead of Rugby Championship opener

Australia have received a much-needed boost ahead of the Rugby Championship opening game against New Zealand with skipper Michael Hooper declared fit.

The 26-year-old missed the trial game for Michael Cheika's side against Australia Super Rugby Selection team last week as he was recovering from a hamstring injury that he sustained during the June series against Ireland.

Hooper made a steady progress during the training camp in Cessnock and believes he is ready to begin his drills next week.

“Hiccups aside, with a week of training, I should be in a good position next week,” he told rugby.com.au.

“I want to get back on the field but it’s given me a different perspective at some of the great things that go on around rugby.

"It’s been enjoyable to give my body a rest but I want to get back on the field".

The news comes as a relief for Australia as they head into the tournament on 18th August with a hope to bring an end to their Bledisloe Cup drought which they last won 16 years back.