They're being written off as serious contenders but Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is adamant his team can bring back the Rugby World Cup from Japan this year.

TVNZ reports two‑time champions Australia are aiming to win the World Cup without sacked superstar fullback Israel Folau and champion flanker David Pocock who is in doubt with injury.

But Hooper has described their chances as "juicy" and also backed Pocock to recover in time for the global showpiece despite retiring from Super Rugby this week.

After seeing Pocock at a Wallabies camp in Brisbane last week, Hooper said the reigning John Eales Medallist gave every indication he would be fit for Australia's World Cup opener against Fiji on September 21.

The Wallabies face Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener in Brisbane on July 27.

[Source:TVNZ]

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