Hooper was roundly viewed as playing a positive role in the team's development, but, despite a vote of confidence from headselector Richards, the 36-year-old has been dethroned by Lara.
"We're delighted Deacon Manu has finally put his hand up for Fiji, look around there's no better tight-head prop than him available to represent Fiji, " said Fiji selector Mosese Taga after picking the prop in his squad.