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Calls for Cooper's return to the Wallabies intensify and for good reason
By Josh Raisey
The Rebels recorded their second win from their first two games of the season on Friday, helped by some moments of magic from Quade Cooper.
He continued his impressive return to Super Rugby after a year in exile last season, as they withheld an unbeaten Highlanders side, who came agonisingly close to snatching the victory at the end.
It was the Rebels’ first win against a New Zealand side since 2015, and although the Highlanders were missing a number of All Blacks, Cooper’s side were still impressive nonetheless.
The mercurial playmaker’s deft hands put Jack Maddocks in for a try in the first half, and he orchestrated Billy Meakes’ try early in the second half with a grubber kick. In only two games this season, he has shown that he has not lost his creative influence, and his control over the game looks better than ever. Of course, Cooper still has weaknesses, particularly his defence, but he hasn’t seemed to have lost anything in attack.
In light of his performance, many fans took to Twitter to praise his display:
Some fans may say that it is premature, but there is a growing number of fans on Twitter in favour of Cooper earning a recall to the Wallabies squad ahead of the World Cup.
Michael Cheika has not ruled out selecting him, and although there is competition for the jersey from Bernard Foley, Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua, Cooper is winning over more and more fans.
While Foley is the incumbent 10 for the Wallabies, some fans are arguing that he cannot do what Cooper can on the field at times. Then again, Cooper has never been as dependable as Foley, and the debate of their clash of styles looks like it will re-emerge this season.
This is what the fans have been saying:
This campaign for Cooper’s return to the Wallabies will only increase if he, and the Rebels, perform like they have been doing in their first two rounds of the season.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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