Rugby World Cup: Wallabies veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper looking for fairytale win

ONE of five Wallabies playing in their third World Cup, Adam Ashley-Cooper hopes to bookend his Test career with a “fairytale” title win.

Australia's winger Adam Ashley-Cooper greets fans on arrival at the Assembly Rooms in Bath on September 15, 2015, to attend their official welcoming ceremony, three days before the opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2015 between England and Fiji at Twickenham stadium. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU

ONE of five Wallabies playing in their third World Cup, Adam Ashley-Cooper expects this will be his last tournament and he’d like to bookend his Test career with a “fairytale” title win.

Ashley-Cooper, 31, is has signed to play for Bordeaux in France after the World Cup and though the Wallabies vice-captain more than qualifies to be called back for Test duty with his team-high 108 caps, the utility back is savouring the 2015 World Cup given it is likely to be his last Wallaby appearances.

“Every World Cup is very special. I remember my first fondly in 2007 in France, and the atmosphere that surrounded the whole tournament was incredible.

2011 there were some ups and downs: the quarterfinal win was very special and the disappointment of the semi-final a week after that,” Ashley-Cooper said.

“This one is special for me because more than likely it is my last. For me I started my career on a fairytale and I’d like to think I will end it on a fairytale as well. I will be doing everything I can.”

Ashley-Cooper was grilled about his choice of words “more than likely” but the celebrated Wallabies back didn’t expand.

“Let’s be honest, another four years and I will be doing very well if I am putting my hand up for another World Cup. I am a realist.

“These could be the last times I pull on the green and gold, and playing for Australia has always been very, very special.

“But knowing it is towards the back end of your career, and that I am moving on to different challenges at the end of the year, it makes a bit more special. It makes you reflect a lot more in the time you have had in the green and gold.

“Tying it up with a Rugby World Cup would be fitting.”

“Among the squad, and particularly myself, there is a lot more belief in what we are doing, and who we are.

“We are far better prepared, physically and mentally.”

Ashley-Cooper will play at his third World Cup in the UK, along with Matt Giteau, Wycliff Palu, Stephen Moore and Drew Mitchell.

“It just got very real for us; it has kind of been a long time coming for us. We had the whole Rugby Championship with the World Cup in the back of our mind,” Ashley-Cooper said.

“We have spent a pretty tough two weeks at Notre Dame there.”

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Wallabies veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper looking for fairytale win