Quade v Foley to determine pecking order for Wallabies playmaking position

The battle for the Wallabies No.10 jersey will become clearer after Quade Cooper’s showdown against Bernard Foley.

Bernard Foley and Quade Cooper will be battling it out for top billing as Australia’s No.10. Source: TWITTER @Wallabies

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Quade Cooper is fashioning a remarkable comeback story but rival Bernard Foley is determined to create one of his own as the pair clash for the first time in two years at the SCG.

After being snubbed by Queensland last season and playing club rugby in Brisbane, Cooper has returned to Super Rugby with Melbourne and leads the competition for most try assists.

Foley, for a long time untouchable as the Wallabies’ No.10, keeping Cooper on the bench or out of the Australian team altogether, lost his starting spot in the national side at the end of last year after a string of defeats.

Quade Cooper has been in top form for the Melbourne Rebels. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

Both Cooper and Foley, along with overseas-based Matt Toomua, will compete for the Wallabies’ five-eighth jersey at this year’s World Cup.

And on Saturday, that pecking order will become clearer when Foley’s NSW host Cooper’s Rebels in a top of the Australian conference battle.

Foley recalled the same tussle he had with Cooper at the previous World Cup in 2015 – he would win that, leading Australia to the final against the All Blacks while Cooper played a bit-part in the campaign in England.

Bernard Foley and Quade Cooper will be battling it out for top billing as Australia’s No.10. Source: TWITTER @Wallabies

“We also spent a lot of time together [in 2015] and pushed each other,” Foley said.

“There were also a number of guys there, Matt Toomua was around, Matt Giteau was around, so there was a bit of uncertainty there and everyone pushed each other to new heights.

“That’s what I’m excited by, having this competition and guys putting their hands up in every position, it can only be a good thing for the Wallabies and for us here at the Waratahs.”

Foley said the Tahs are prepared for Melbourne’s aggressive style, directed by Cooper and halfback Will Genia on the back of hard running by their forwards.

“They’ve played really flat, taking on the line and being really abrasive,” Foley said.

“We’re looking forward to going out there to nullify their strengths.”

Originally published as Quade v Foley to determine pecking order for Wallabies playmaking position