Wallabies to recall discarded superstar
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Star Melbourne Rebels playmaker Quade Cooper is set to earn a recall to the Wallabies training squad after steering his new Super Rugby team to three straight wins.
Cooper is due to be included in the squad announced on Saturday for a three-day training camp in Sydney before jetting out to South Africa on Tuesday for two Rebels’ Super Rugby matches.
The flyhalf turned in another impressive performance in their Friday win over the Brumbies to push his hopes for a Test return ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup.
In a busy game he set up two important tries – finding Marika Koroibete to open the second half and then sending one soaring wide to young Wallabies winger Jack Maddocks for the 70th minute match-winner.
Cooper hasn’t played a Test since taking on Italy in Brisbane in 2017 and his international career appeared over last year when he was frozen out at the Reds.
But the move south to the Rebels to resume his stellar halves partnership with Will Genia has reignited his hopes of Wallabies return.
Genia said after the Brumbies match Cooper didn’t need to try to impress Wallabies coach Michael Cheika but just needed to maintain his consistency and he would find his way back.
“Quade has been consistent over the first three games and I’m sure he will be hoping that carries on through the season and if he does there’s no reason why he can’t get an opportunity in a gold jersey,” Genia said.
Source: AAP
