In a rebuilding Wallabies side, Michael Hooper has been a leading light throughout 2021.
After a sabbatical in Japan, Hooper reminded fans and oppositions of his class as he put together a series of world-class performances to earn nomination for World Rugby's Player of the Year.
Click here to vote for Michael Hooper and Samu Kerevi for World Rugby Player of the Year
With voting set to close shortly, Rugby.com.au looks back at five major moments from Michael Hooper during an inspirational 2021.
1.Backing himself
Hooper started the year with a bang, proving to be a nightmare over the ball at the breakdown against France.
He would earn three turnovers and cross for a crucial try to set up a 23-21 win in the opening Test of the year.
With the French racing out to a commanding lead in the following game, the skipper took it upon himself to will the Wallabies back into the contest, with some smart thinking getting Australia's second try of the night.
His defence and relentless work effort kept the Wallabies in the game and whilst they couldn't close it out, it gave them plenty of confidence heading into the final game of the series.
2. Turning provider
With the series on the line and the Wallabies down a man and ten points, Hooper put in motion one of the greatest comebacks in the modern era.
A perfect crash ball line and step split the defence, finding new starting half Tate McDermott for their first try of the match.
Hooper once again set the tempo and was influential in eventually getting the hosts over the line against a valiant France side.
3. Leading from the front
Whilst the Bledisloe remains in New Zealand for another year, Hooper's influence and effort can't be faulted.
On multiple ocassions, he would take on the Kiwi side and will his team over the advantage line as they tried to break the drought.
His second Test performance was one of the best of the year in a losing effort, doing everything in his extraordinary power to keep the Wallabies in the hunt before the All Blacks ran away with the victory.
4. Setting the record
After the disappointment of the Bledisloe, Hooper and the Wallabies rebounded with two brilliant performances against the Springboks.
As he took over the mark as Australia's most-capped captain, Hooper showed why he has held onto the mantle through several coaches and a near-decade-long stand in the team.
This was typified in their second Test win over South Africa.
Still rocking the white headache to cover up scars and injuries from previous Tests, Hooper got himself in perfect position over the ball with minutes remaining, earning a penalty on their goal-line to put the result out of question.
5. Ironman
Hooper's motor and effort has never wilted, typifying his 2021 campaign.
This continued into the final Tests of the Rugby Championship against Argentina, producing another pair of incredible performances to ensure victory.
According to Opta, no player has made more tackles (120) or won more turnovers (14) for a Tier 1 nation in 2021.
Despite suggestions of resting, Hooper played until he couldn't, featuring in nearly every minute of their Spring Tour before succumbing to a foot injury.
The Wallabies now enter the unknown, with Hooper playing in every game under Rennie since he took over late last year
