Cooper returns to Wallabies
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Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper will return from a lengthy injury lay-off from the bench when Australia tackle New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.
It’s the first Test opportunity for Cooper in 2014, and will come in front of his hometown supporters in Brisbane.
Adam Ashley-Cooper will make his 100th appearance for the national team, just the sixth player in Australian Rugby history to reach the prestigious 100-game Test milestone.
Ashley Cooper will join an illustrious group that boasts only five legends of the game – George Gregan (139 caps), Nathan Sharpe (116), George Smith (111), Stephen Larkham (102) and David Campese (101).
Two changes have also been made to the starting line-up with Christian Leali’ifano replacing the injured Matt Toomua at inside centre and Rob Simmons returning at lock.
It will also be Leali’ifano’s first opportunity in the Wallaby jersey this year, while Simmons has recovered from a head knock he suffered against South Africa in Cape Town just over a fortnight ago.
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie congratulated Ashley Cooper on his milestone 100th game.
“Adam has had a remarkable career and he deserves the accolades which come with joining what is an extremely elite group of players to have played 100 games for Australia,” McKenzie said.
“It’s a massive honour and a true testament of his ability to play at a consistently high level over such a long period of time.
“Australian Rugby congratulates Adam on what is truly a special achievement.”
McKenzie also backed Leali’ifano and Cooper to make a positive return.
“It’s always hard when you have to watch from the sideline, so I’m sure they will be determined to make the most of their opportunities,” he said.
“They’re two experienced players who have performed at a high level for Australia before, and you can’t discount the value of experience in these big games.
“Quade has had a lot of great memories at Suncorp Stadium, and we’ll be looking for him to provide the same impact should he get called on late in the game.”
McKenzie said the team was also determined to continue its strong domestic form this year, which has resulted in five wins and one draw on Australian soil.
“The group has spoken about the importance of this week’s game and ensuring the focus remains on our preparation and putting the team in the best possible position to win the game on Saturday night.
“It’s always important to perform in front of your home fans, and this week offers the team a chance to end the home Test season unbeaten, and square the series against New Zealand.”
Wallabies: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Leali’ifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 James Horwill, 20 Matt Hodgson, 21 Nic White, 22 Quade Cooper, 23 Rob Horne.
Date: Saturday, October 18
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.00 (09.00 GMT; 20.00 AEDT; 22.00 NZ time)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
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