Quade Cooper breaks silence on 'full house booing' after 'likely' final Test in NZ

With just over eight minutes to play at Forsyth Barr Stadium last weekend, Test veteran Quade Cooper placed his yellow kicking tee on the turf ahead of a crucial penalty attempt at goal.

The Wallabies, much to the surprise of practically everyone in attendance, only trailed the heavily favoured All Blacks by three points with the full-time siren rapidly approaching.

Cooper, who was born in New Zealand, had a chance to tie the game at 20 points all. This was his moment to silence any and all naysayers from practically halfway.

The Dunedin crowd burst out into a chorus of boos as Cooper stood over the ball and began to visualise the upcoming shot at goal. This wasn’t the first time that he had been booed, either.

Cooper became public enemy No. 1 in New Zealand after a series of run-ins with former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in 2011. But, after more than a decade, some Kiwis refuse to move on.

But while the booing was disrespectful – it was practically deafening – it also set the tone for what would certainly be a pivotal moment in a thrilling Test.

The Wallabies needed these three points, and so did Cooper.

Cooper approached the ball and struck it well enough, with the attempt sailing just above the crossbar. The Wallabies fans in attendance went berserk.

At that moment, Cooper was the hero. The flyhalf was the Wallaby that New Zealanders loved to hate, but Cooper had thrived under the pressure.

While the All Blacks went on to win the Test 23-20, Cooper’s nerves of steel was a talking point – although, it was overshadowed by the booing.

Having played what will “most likely” be his final Test match against the All Blacks in New Zealand, Cooper had silenced some doubters.

Ahead of the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squad announcement on Thursday, Cooper has issued a message of “thanks” to rugby fans across the ditch.

“That was most likely the last game I’ve played against the ABs in NZ,” Cooper wrote on social media.

“These are the moments I’ll miss the most: taking a host to tie the game with a full house booing, running out with your teammates against the best, knowing the challenge that awaits is just moments away.

“It just doesn’t get much better than competing at the highest level. The preparation, the physical toll, and the emotional journey can be brutal, but we continue to get up and want more.

“I stayed out on the field for about 20 minutes post-game, just thinking about my journey and how lucky I was to be one of the few standing out there, while looking into the stands where thousands had gathered.

“Understanding that I too stood there or watched on TV with a dream of being on the other side of the fence one day.

“So, to the kids with dreams, continue to chase them even when they seem out of reach. And to the fans, whether yelling, cheering, or booing, whatever it is, thanks for always creating that atmosphere.”