Cooper has no issues with Deans?

Ex Supersport

Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper has no problem with national coach Robbie Deans and his omission from a Wallabies planning camp for the British and Irish Lions series was "no big issue".(Really)

Cooper, who fell out in spectacular fashion with Deans last year, told local media he had been left out of the 30-strong group being brought together in Sydney this weekend.

The 25-year-old Queensland Reds back played just three tests last year after returning from the serious knee injury he sustained at the 2011 World Cup in his native New Zealand.

Another knee injury ruled him out of the European tour at the back end of last season but he has since shown glimpses of the sort of form that once made him Australia's first choice flyhalf in his return to Super Rugby.

"It's no big issue really because we have a big season ahead of us," Cooper told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday before his departure for the Super Rugby match against Waikato Chiefs.

"The major issue is turning up in the Waikato and having a good game. The team is excited about that and that's what's more important at this time.

"People are going to look at players differently. It's not the first or the last time you're going to miss out on a side."

Cooper's contract negotiations with the Australian Rugby Union last November exploded into an acrimonious row with the player slamming Deans's tactics and what he said was a "toxic" atmosphere in the Wallabies camp.

Deans has since repeatedly said he would still consider Cooper for selection and the player said their relationship was now normal.

"It's like just any other player-coach relationship," Cooper added.

"I've got to do what I can as a player and he has to do what he thinks best as the coach.

"I've got full respect and trust in what he's doing for the team and I'll continue to do what I can for the team I'm part of now which is the Reds."

Deans's options at number 10 for the three tests against the Lions in June and July have already been potentially thinned by the indefinite suspension of Kurtley Beale for fighting with his Melbourne Rebels teammates.

Oz can play the Brumbies flyhalf and let O'Connor do the place kicking.  Oz should be able to give he Lions plenty to think about.

 Its more of a case of Deans having an issue with Cooper, for leaving him out of the squad has nothing to do with rugby

 Agreed - I wouldn't let Cooper anywhere near the Aussie team. Not until he shows some signs of maturity for a length of time. He's done little that is special this year to warrant consideration

Pull the other one. Of course there will still be bad blood between them. As was mentioned, the Aussies don't exactly have an abundance of no.10's to choose from. Him being left out is Deans reminding Cooper who is boss. Simple!! Reminds me a little of the White vs Watson affair, except, Cooper's daddy can't help with his fight.

Solomon says it's too hard to decide who is right.....dump both of them, neither are performing, and that way you will be sure to get the culprit.

Mozart

Solomonn also think that Deans should go to South Africa to replace one of the three monkeys we got here as coaches - he should be given a free choice since he is better than the Springbok, Stormers and Bulls coaches combined.   He would make 5kgs on the scale of rugby knowledge - the three dunces mentioned will cap it at -15 kgs on th same scale 

Deans would have been AB coach but for Graham Henry . Heaps of Kiwis wanted to see Henry sacked after the 2007 WC and Deans was touted as Henry's replacement. Was a near thing.

Nothing wrong with Deans as a coach apart from him taking on the role as Aussie coach. But you can't have dissension in a team so good call removing that toxic little cancer with a motor mouth from the team.

Hope he gets smashed tonight at Waikato Stadium.

 Cooper has not issues except for the game plan of Deans, and the fact that the whole enviroment is toxic. 

If Deans could be more like the Reds things would be perfect

@sharkbok that is the point exactly! Ewen has made a serious success of QCs talent by managing his personality and style of play. Deans obviously doesn't have the level of EQ required to be atop successful coach in Australia. Fact of the matter is the rugby public of Australia want him gone! And bring on Ewen wouldn't be surprised if Ewen becomes coach for tri nations. In fact rugby depth hasn't looked better in years in Australia and wouldn't be surprised if golden years are just around the corner with Ewen as coach....