Cooper is back in the starting side
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The wait is reportedly over - Quade Cooper is set to make his return to the Wallabies step up on Sunday against the Springboks.
The Wallabies will name their squad on Friday with Cooper set to be named at flyhalf for Sundays clash at CBUS Super Stadium.
Cooper last pulled on the jersey in 2017, coming off the bench during the Wallabies 40-27 win over Italy in Brisbane.
The 33-year-old was initial brought into the squad as injury cover, with travel restrictions limiting replacements with James OConnor still recovering from a groin injury.
Speaking to media last week, Cooper admitted he had little expectation about whether he would play or not, looking to soak up vital knowledge before heading back to Japan.
That hasnt been a focus for me. I havent come in thinking I just have to play a Test for me coming in here is been about learning, he said.
The things Ive been able to learn and whether I go back to Japan after this game, the Rugby Championship Im not 100% sure but Ill have a wealth of knowledge footballing in terms of what Ive been able to learn and gain about myself being back in this environment.
The level of skill, training that weve been at, I havent had that for four years since I was last in a Wallabies squad.
It hasnt been a focus of mine to come in just play games. If I can grow as a man, grow as a rugby player and take that back to Japan and pass that onto other people, thats a great reward for myself.
Thats where my focus is at, anything else is bonuses along the way on this journey.
Former Wallaby Lote Tuqiri backed calls for Cooper to start, believing it will assist in the development of Noah Lolesio following a tough series against the All Blacks.
Ive always liked Quade Cooper, the former winger said on Thursday.
Hes in the squad, hes been in and around that time for a while Im not saying Noah Lolesio is not the option, (but) Noah probably needs a bit of a rest at the moment.
Hes only a young guy. Feeling that constant pressure each week can get a bit tough. Hes only young in his Wallabies career, so give him a week or two off and let Quade take some of these games.
He can help take the pressure off (Lolesio) and then Noah can come take over probably for the last couple of games thats what Id do.
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/quade-...PGDNdLXMHFs2GM
The Wallabies will name their squad on Friday with Cooper set to be named at flyhalf for Sundays clash at CBUS Super Stadium.
Cooper last pulled on the jersey in 2017, coming off the bench during the Wallabies 40-27 win over Italy in Brisbane.
The 33-year-old was initial brought into the squad as injury cover, with travel restrictions limiting replacements with James OConnor still recovering from a groin injury.
Speaking to media last week, Cooper admitted he had little expectation about whether he would play or not, looking to soak up vital knowledge before heading back to Japan.
That hasnt been a focus for me. I havent come in thinking I just have to play a Test for me coming in here is been about learning, he said.
The things Ive been able to learn and whether I go back to Japan after this game, the Rugby Championship Im not 100% sure but Ill have a wealth of knowledge footballing in terms of what Ive been able to learn and gain about myself being back in this environment.
The level of skill, training that weve been at, I havent had that for four years since I was last in a Wallabies squad.
It hasnt been a focus of mine to come in just play games. If I can grow as a man, grow as a rugby player and take that back to Japan and pass that onto other people, thats a great reward for myself.
Thats where my focus is at, anything else is bonuses along the way on this journey.
Former Wallaby Lote Tuqiri backed calls for Cooper to start, believing it will assist in the development of Noah Lolesio following a tough series against the All Blacks.
Ive always liked Quade Cooper, the former winger said on Thursday.
Hes in the squad, hes been in and around that time for a while Im not saying Noah Lolesio is not the option, (but) Noah probably needs a bit of a rest at the moment.
Hes only a young guy. Feeling that constant pressure each week can get a bit tough. Hes only young in his Wallabies career, so give him a week or two off and let Quade take some of these games.
He can help take the pressure off (Lolesio) and then Noah can come take over probably for the last couple of games thats what Id do.
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/quade-...PGDNdLXMHFs2GM