Does Quade Cooper’s impressive Super Rugby return put him in Wallaby frame?
Quade Cooper’s stunning return to Super Rugby has got everyone wondering if could be a chance for a World Cup recall.
Quade Cooper’s stunning return to Super Rugby has got everyone thinking the unthinkable.
Could the once-maligned star really be a bolter for this year’s World Cup?
If he can build on his impressive first outing with the Melbourne Rebels and maintain his firm throughout the season, then the answer seems to be an emphatic ‘yes’.
The Wallabies have already shown some renewed interest in him after ignoring the gifted playmaker last year with the 30-year-old making a surprise appearance at a national squad pre-season training camp.
That was before he’d even strapped on his boots for the Rebels and linked up with up his old halves partner Will Genia but his mature performance in guiding his new team to victory over the Brumbies has raised the prospect that he could be just what the Wallabies are looking for after their worst season in 60 years.
“I wouldn't even call him a bolter because he’s been there before,” Wallaby legend Matt Giteau told Rugby Central.
“I actually think it’d be good to have a couple of guys with that experience because it brings a level of calmness and a level of experience. Even if they're not playing they can add so much to the group.”
Unwanted by the Queensland Reds last year, Cooper spent last season playing club rugby in Brisbane but slipped seamlessly back into the professional ranks when he was thrown a lifeline by the ambitious Rebels.
Giteau, who was recalled to the Wallabies ahead of the 2015 World Cup after four years out of the side playing in Europe, knows what it takes to come back to the Test arena after being in the wilderness and he likes the way Cooper handled himself against the Brumbies.
“He must have copped a lot of abuse during the game but he was playing the game really calm, he didn’t overplay his hand,” Giteau said.
“What he did was he got the team in the right areas and in the right field position and just kind of ticked that first game off and I think this week you’ll start to see him express himself more and more as he gets more confident. I think his story is a great one.”
Former Wallaby Drew Mitchell was also impressed with Cooper’s assured display and is expecting another big game from him when the Rebels host the Highlanders at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The Fox Sports commentator said Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has always made it clear that the door is open to any player who produces on the field, and that includes Cooper.
“I’ve been really impressed with Quade, just the way he kind of stayed motivated and trained on his own,” Mitchell said. “He’s out there to prove himself right other than to prove other people wrong and that’s a really strong motivator.
“He’s got a tremendous amount of experience and Cheika’s always of the opinion that if you're playing well enough then he’ll pick you and he’s picked him before.
“If Quade maintains and keeps improving from his first round game then I can’t see why Michael Cheika wouldn’t pick him.”
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