Wallaby Hanson not fazed by hooker curse

Fringe Wallaby James Hanson will be aiming to avoid the hooker’s curse when he makes his first Test start in Saturday night’s clash with South Africa in Perth.

The Wallabies’ No.2 jersey has been a revolving door in recent months following a spate of injuries.

Stephen Moore started the trend in June when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during the opening stages of Australia’s 50-23 win over France.

Tatafu Polota-Nau was the next to fall when he injured his knee during the Waratahs’ 33-32 Super Rugby title win over the Crusaders on August 2.

And when Nathan Charles tore his pectoral muscle in the 51-20 loss to New Zealand on August 23, the Wallabies were down to their fourth-choice hooker.

Hanson has made just two appearances off the bench for the Wallabies since making his international debut in 2012, but the 25-year-old says he is ready for a starting berth.

Reds teammate Saia Fainga’a is set to be named on the bench against the Springboks as Hanson’s back-up.

“Hookers are a rare commodity in Australian rugby at the moment,” Hanson joked on Monday.

“The unfortunate part about rugby is injuries. But on the other side of it, it presents opportunities to people. If I do get that opportunity, I’ll be extremely grateful.

“I’ve been around the squad for a few years now, with only a few minutes here and there.

“While you take any minutes you can, to get a start is the pinnacle of why you play the sport.

“For me, that’s the goal.”

With legendary Springbok and renowned line-out master Victor Matfield set to return for Saturday’s clash at Patersons Stadium, Hanson knows his set-piece throws will have to be near perfect.

“In rugby, you look to challenge yourself, and there’s no better way than to do it against the best,” Hanson said.

“We’ve got great callers in Rob Simmons, and other jumpers in Scott Fardy and Sam Carter.

“For me, I just put all my trust in those guys and focus on my job.

“If (Matfield) gets in there, then credit to him. But we’ve developed strategies around that.”

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