1
Video - Quade Cooper has last laugh in Thorn feud
By Online Editors
Melbourne playmaker Quade Cooper has enjoyed a victorious return with a leading role in the Rebels' dominant Super Rugby win over Queensland.
In his first Super Rugby match against the Reds since his acrimonious departure, Cooper set up two tries as the Rebels secured a 32-13 win at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
The win lifts Melbourne to the top of the Australian conference following the Waratahs shock loss to the Sunwolves on Friday.
Cooper made an instant impact against his old team by slotting a penalty after just two minutes.
Continue reading below...
The Rebels dominated territory and possession in the game's opening half but the two teams traded penalties for a 6-all scoreline nearing the break.
With the halftime siren looming, a pinpoint cross-field kick by Cooper allowed Jack Maddocks to outjump Hamish Stewart and give the Rebels an 11-6 advantage.
After the break, the Rebels capitalised on an early Reds penalty to again hold the territory advantage with Anaru Ra ngi peeling off the back of a maul to score.
Another Reds error, this time a dropped ball led to a third try for the Rebels in the 47th minute.
Cooper pounced on the loose ball near the halfway line, twice soccering through before Maddocks won the race to extend the lead to 25-6.
The home team thought they'd got one back when Brandon Paenga-Amosa crashed over from close range but a TMO review after the try had been awarded detected a knock-on by Reds halfback Tate McDermott.
The Reds did eventually get a try when Taniela Tupou scored late in the game but the scoring wasn't done with Rebels substitute Rob Leota capping a 15-phase move to score in the final minute and secure a bonus point.
Fittingly Cooper ended the action with a conversion, giving him a personal points haul of 12 with two penalties and three conversions.
Melbourne host the Sunwolves next week while the Reds are at home against the Stormers.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
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.
Go to comments