‘That’s how much the World Cup means to me’: AAC’s selfless act

When veteran Wallaby Adam Ashley-Cooper phoned Michael Cheika last year to tell him he wanted to play at a fourth World Cup, he had a few terms and conditions.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia celebrates scoring his teams opening try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match between Australia and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium on October 18, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

• Crusaders set to ditch ‘offensive’ name
• Have Wallabies locked in long-term No.9

When Adam Ashley-Cooper phoned Michael Cheika last year to tell him he wanted to play at the World Cup, he had one precondition.

The veteran outside back insisted he did not want any handouts because of his long service to the Wallabies. He wanted to earn his spot on merit, which meant giving up a lucrative contract playing club rugby in Japan and returning to Australia for less money with absolutely no guarantees.

“That’s how much the World Cup means to me,” Ashley-Cooper told Rugby Central.

“I’ve already been to three World Cups but I want to win one because there’s no bigger thing in the game.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia celebrates scoring his teams opening try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match between Australia and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium on October 18, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“So when I called Cheik, I told him I didn't want to be part of the Rugby World Cup if it was through the Giteau Law, no disrespect to my mate Matt Giteau, because I wanted to come back and play Super Rugby and earn my spot that way.”

Impressed by Ashley-Cooper’s commitment to the cause, Cheika brought him back into the Wallabies squad for last year’s tour of the northern hemisphere but made it clear he was no shoo-in so really would have to earn his place the hard way.

“That’s the reality and that’s the way I’m approaching this season. If I’m unfortunate enough not to go, at least I gave it a crack,” Ashley-Cooper said.

AAC with George Gregan at the 2007 World Cup. Picture: AP

“When you throw something out there like I did, even though it’s a little crazy, you just have to give it everything you’ve got so I’m just trying to do my best every week for the Waratahs and not focusing down the track.”

Returning to Super Rugby after two seasons in France and another two in Japan presented some real challenges to Ashley-Cooper because the competition is faster and harder than what he’s been playing in.

He said the skill levels are higher and the physical demands much greater than overseas because there are no easy games in Super Rugby, but he’s already slotted back in like he never left.

He turned 35 last week, but missed the Waratahs’ loss to the Sunwolves, so will be one of the oldest players at the World Cup, if he gets picked, but believes age is an advantage when it comes to the sport’s biggest event.

Each of the last four teams that have won the World Cup have had at least one player aged 35 or older, with Jason Leonard (England 2003), Os du Randt (South Africa, 2007), Brad Thorn (New Zealand, 2011) and Keven Mealamu (2015) all getting their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy in their mid 30s, and Ashley-Cooper sees no reason why he can’t do the same with the Wallabies later this year.

“Historically, it’s proven that the teams that have been successful in World Cups have a really good amount of experience in their squads,” he said.

Adam Ashley-Cooper with Michael Cheika after a Waratahs win. Picture: Brett Costello

“Unlike normal Test rugby where you play maybe two or three Tests then have a few weeks off, the World Cup is unique because you have to play seven Tests back to back and realistically you have to win them all if you want to win the World Cup.

“That makes it the toughest tournament in the world that you play in as a rugby player and experienced players add so much value in those type of campaigns that are tough, short and very, very intense.

“So when you look at the age and experience in Australian rugby at the moment, as well as some of the best young players coming through, it could make for a very successful World Cup team and that’s why I want to be part of it.”