Australia captain Michael Hooper has given his team a boost ahead of their Rugby Championship opener by revealing he should be fit to play.

The flank has been on the sidelines in recent weeks with a hamstring injury, which he suffered in the Wallabies’ fixture against Ireland in June.

But after coming through training in Cessnock, New South Wales, he’s admitted to feeling good ahead of the clash with New Zealand in Sydney.

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

Openside Hooper added that he feels his time away from playing could benefit him long-term as he feels recharged both mentally and physically.

“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,” he said.