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Reports emerging that Quade Cooper drawing interest from one particular NZ franchise
By Online Editors
The Otago Daily Times is reporting that discarded Reds playmaker Quade Cooper is drawing interest from the Highlanders, as a potential replacement first five for the departing Lima Sopoaga.
With Cooper holding a New Zealand passport, he would fall under the foreign quota restrictions having represented the Wallabies and being no longer eligible for the All Blacks.
The Highlanders had young first fives Fletcher Smith, 23, and Josh Ioane, 23, on the roster this year but only have completed the signing of Blues pivot Bryn Gatland for 2019 and beyond. Smith and Ioane may yet return but there is room for a marquee signing such as Cooper.
The 30-year-old would bring experience to a Highlanders side that has an aging, but world-class cast in Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, and Waisake Naholo.
Uniting Cooper with halfback Aaron Smith would be the best halfback he's played with since Will Genia, and arguably the service Smith provides would be his best ever.
RugbyPass detailed late last year why Cooper would be a good short-term fit for the Blues, but at that stage, rosters had been finalised and the signing would require top level NZRU approval. The Highlanders have until October to finalise their 2019 squad with plenty of time to consider a deal with Cooper.
The Reds will be motivated to get Cooper off their books, given he is reportedly receiving AUD$600-$800,000 per season.
The Highlanders or any other suitor could attempt to negotiate a deal that sees the Reds and Rugby Australia continue to pay some of the cost, that would make the acquisition more affordable but would benefit both sides.
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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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