Cooper mounting serious challenge for Foley’s Wallaby spot

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson gave under-performing Bernard Foley a public lashing ahead of his showdown with Wallabies rival Quade Cooper.

Bernard Foley celebrates with Quade Cooper. Picture: Darren England

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Waratahs five-eighth Bernard Foley has been put on notice that he needs to lift his game if he wants to remain ahead of Quade Cooper in the battle for the Wallabies’ No. 10 jersey.

Foley got the better of the Cooper when the pair squared off earlier this season, scoring 18 points as the Tahs overturned a 20-7 deficit to beat the Rebels 23-20 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

But a poor showing by Foley in last weekend’s loss to the Jaguares has opened the door for the unpredictable Cooper to lay down a marker when they go head to head at AAMI Park on Friday night.

“We’re pretty disappointed with how Bernard performed at the weekend. It was below where he should be. He knows that,” Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said.

Bernard Foley celebrates with Quade Cooper. Picture: Darren England

“So I imagine that will stir him into action in this game and he'll want to make sure he's performing to the ability that we know of him.

“If that means further cementing his place in the Wallaby side, that's good enough.”

Normally one of the most reliable players in the Waratahs side, the “Iceman” has had a mixed year.

He’s the second highest pointscorer in Super Rugby this season, but has missed some shots he would usually make with his eyes closed and his success rate this season is 76%, down on previous years.

He’s also missed 33 tackles, the fourth highest of any player in the competition, and Gibson said he had made some uncharacteristic decisions last weekend.

“It’s very unusual, he’s usually very consistent,” Gibson said.

Foley won round one this season. Picture: AAP

“For just various reasons, he just made some decisions that probably weren't on. Took some options and his skill set and his execution, and he’s very aware of that.

“He’s probably more filthy on himself than me getting on his back.”

Foley’s season has been typical of the team’s overall performance in 2019.

While the Waratahs have been thereabouts in every match they’ve played so far, it’s been the small things that have cost them vital points contributing to their eight losses.

The result is that they now require a minor miracle to reach the playoffs, sitting third on the Australian conference standings despite having won three of their four matches against other Australian sides.

“What we have consistently seen from this team is that fight, resilience and determination and that's manifested itself into a number of frustrating close losses,” Gibson said.

“We just haven't been quite good enough in the key moments to get across the line.

“But these derbies, the boys get up for them, they're really keen for them and it makes for a really interesting spectacle.”