Wallabies news: Australian coach Dave Rennie couldn’t ignore Quade Cooper any longer

After three straight hidings from the All Blacks the Wallabies had to make a change and have turned to a mercurial star.

Quade Cooper is back for the Wallabies (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for the ARU)

Recalled Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper says becoming a better person has him better prepared for another shot at international rugby.

The former Queensland Reds star’s return to the Wallabies team was confirmed on Friday by impressed coach Dave Rennie, who handed Cooper the No.10 jersey for Australia’s Rugby Championship clash with South Africa on the Gold Coast on Sunday night.

“We are trying to grow our game, and we think he’s the right man to help get us around the park,” Rennie said of Cooper.

“He’s had a really positive impact since joining the group, put pressure on us as selectors and he’s excited to get out there and perform on Sunday night.

“I’ve got to know him over the last few weeks, and he’s grown up, he’s matured and is desperate for another opportunity.”

Cooper, who played the most recent of his 70 Tests in June 2017 against Italy, was “grateful” for another chance in a Wallabies jersey after being part of an extended national squad since late July without tasting any action.

Quade Cooper is back in the Wallabies team. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images for the ARU

“It just means totally different than what it used to mean in terms of who I am as a man, as a player, and what it represents,” Cooper said.

“It was just a quality of life, making changes to growing as a person, getting my life in a place where rugby or being a Wallaby doesn’t define who I am as a man.

“Before that, it was kind of all I knew, Everything I did was basically with the mask or with the identity of Quade Cooper the Wallaby.

“For me being able to get discipline into my life every day, being happy outside of rugby, being happy with the process of what it is to be a rugby player ... it’s allowed me or gifted me the opportunity to be back here and I’m so grateful for that.”

Having started at fly half in the past six Wallabies tests – two wins and a loss against France, and three losses to the All Blacks – Noah Lolesio has been left out of the 23-man team all together.

Cooper has a strong record against the Springboks, boasting nine wins against the reigning world champions.

Rennie said: “He gives us balance. A really smart kicking game and a quality skill set and then, the experience. If we just get into a straight arm wrestle with the Boks, they’re tough to beat.”

Sunday’s clash at CBus Super Stadium will also celebrate skipper Michael Hooper equalling George Gregan’s record for most Tests as Wallabies captain when he leads the side out for the 59th time.

Australia's captain Michael Hooper (L) talks to the team's head coach Dave Rennie (C) (Photo by TREVOR COLLENS / AFP)

In his 112th Test, Hooper will also overtake George Smith as the fifth most capped Wallaby of all time

“The match is also a huge occasion for our leader Michael Hooper. He’s been in phenomenal form and to equal George Gregan’s record as the most Tests as captain of Australia is a testament to his leadership and resilience,” Rennie said.

Australia has won eight of their past 10 matches against the Springboks at home, but the two sides have never met at on the Gold Coast in the storied 88-year playing history.

Wallabies team to play South Africa at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast on Sunday 12 September, 8:05pm AEST
1. Angus Bell (8 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (17 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (49 Tests)
4. Izack Rodda (26 Tests)
5. Matt Philip (15 Tests)
6. Lachlan Swinton (4 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (111 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (10 Tests)
9. Tate McDermott (8 Tests)
10. Quade Cooper (70 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (39 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (34 Tests)
13. Len Ikitau (5 Tests)
14. Andrew Kellaway (5 Tests)
15. Tom Banks (17 Tests)
Replacements
16. Feleti Kaitu’u*
17. James Slipper (106 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (31 Tests)
19. Rob Leota*
20. Pete Samu (11 Tests)
21. Nic White (38 Tests)
22. Reece Hodge (49 Tests)
23. Jordan Petaia (10 Tests)
* Denotes uncapped