But after being "curled up in a ball" with tension on the sideline last weekend, the Wallabies vice-captain has vowed to be the energy spark as he attempts to erase the nightmare memory of his first game for Australia.

Hooper is expected to be catapulted back into the Wallabies starting line-up for the quarter-final clash against Scotland at Twickenham on Sunday (Monday morning AEDT).

He struggled to contain his nerves and relief as the Wallabies held on for a courageous win against Wales last weekend while he was serving a one-match suspension.

The Wallabies displayed defensive heroics to repel constant Welsh attacking raids, despite having two players sitting in the sin bin.

And while the squad is battered and bruised after the intense effort, Hooper is itching to get back on the field and lift his teammates for the do-or-die match.

"It was really tough [watching the Wales game]. That period when we were around our line we were all in the stands curled up in a ball, so much tension, excitement and relief … so proud of the boys to get out of that situation.

"I think it was like a fitness session [for me], it was a tough workout but outstanding by the guys and really a pleasure to be a part of a group like that."

Hooper was invited to meet Queen Elizabeth at a special function on Monday night (Tuesday morning AEDT) to kick-off the World Cup quarter finals.The Wallabies' gutsy and determined performance against Wales was in massive contrast to the horror night in Newcastle three years ago.

A then 20-year-old Hooper was injected for the last 15-minutes as an under-prepared Australian team struggled to hold on in torrential conditions.

In the end, Greig Laidlaw kicked an injury-time penalty to boot Scotland to an unlikely win and just their second against the Wallabies since 1982.

The memory of that night is driving Hooper and the Wallabies to ensure they keep their World Cup dreams alive in the knockout quarter final.

"They were the worst conditions ever [in 2012], definitely, anywhere in the world," Hooper said.

"You wouldn't have believed it bit it was my debut and it's something I won't forget.

"It was a whirlwind, it was such a unique situation in that we played a Super Rugby game on a Friday or Saturday and that was a Tuesday night game into a Wales three-Test series.

"I remember that night, absolutely devastating and probably shouldn't have happened, but we had to move on to Wales. It was a long time ago, now it's a totally different reality.

"There's been upsets [at the World Cup], not only now but throughout the history with teams in the World Cup, but we're taking every game as a final."

Hooper was suspended for an illegal cleanout on England's Mike Brown two weeks ago.

He had his suspension reduced to one game, and his World Cup campaign will be revived when he returns to the No. 7 jersey against Scotland.

Some of his teammates may still be feeling the effect of a brutal encounter against Wales, during which the Wallabies made twice as many tackles as their opponents.

But the players were given the past two days to get away from rugby and Hooper wants to be the spark when they return to training on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEDT).

"After that physical [game] it was a bit of a focus to get away for the boys, explore London," Hooper said.

"I haven't seen a lot of guys around the last couple of days. I knew there would have been a few sore bodies around and there will be going into this week, but it's a day-by-day thing and not hard to get up for.

"…Guys can't not be up for it and have a lot in the tank, regardless of whether there is a physical toll. You just want to play these games.

"I can safely say I feel better than a lot of guys who played at the weekend, body wise. I am raring to go, I want to play. But I am sure so are the guys who are feeling battered."

WORLD CUP QUARTER FINALS

Quarter final one: South Africa v Wales at Twickenham, 2am Sunday AEDT.

Quarter final two: New Zealand v France at Cardiff, 6am Sunday AEDT.

Quarter final three: Ireland v Argentina at Cardiff, 11pm Sunday AEDT.

Quarter final four: Australia v Scotland at Twickenham, 2am Monday AEDT.