Cooper returns to Wallabies; Rugby 365

Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper will return from a lengthy injury lay-off from the bench when Australia tackle New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday. It’s the first Test opportunity for Cooper in 2014, and will come in front of his hometown supporters in Brisbane. Adam Ashley-Cooper will make his 100th appearance for the national team, just the sixth player in Australian Rugby history to reach the prestigious 100-game Test milestone. Ashley Cooper will join an illustrious group that boasts only five legends of the game – George Gregan (139 caps), Nathan Sharpe (116), George Smith (111), Stephen Larkham (102) and David Campese (101). Two changes have also been made to the starting line-up with Christian Leali’ifano replacing the injured Matt Toomua at inside centre and Rob Simmons returning at lock. It will also be Leali’ifano’s first opportunity in the Wallaby jersey this year, while Simmons has recovered from a head knock he suffered against South Africa in Cape Town just over a fortnight ago. Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie congratulated Ashley Cooper on his milestone 100th game. “Adam has had a remarkable career and he deserves the accolades which come with joining what is an extremely elite group of players to have played 100 games for Australia,” McKenzie said. “It’s a massive honour and a true testament of his ability to play at a consistently high level over such a long period of time.  “Australian Rugby congratulates Adam on what is truly a special achievement.” McKenzie also backed Leali’ifano and Cooper to make a positive return. “It’s always hard when you have to watch from the sideline, so I’m sure they will be determined to make the most of their opportunities,” he said. “They’re two experienced players who have performed at a high level for Australia before, and you can’t discount the value of experience in these big games. “Quade has had a lot of great memories at Suncorp Stadium, and we’ll be looking for him to provide the same impact should he get called on late in the game.” McKenzie said the team was also determined to continue its strong domestic form this year, which has resulted in five wins and one draw on Australian soil. “The group has spoken about the importance of this week’s game and ensuring the focus remains on our preparation and putting the team in the best possible position to win the game on Saturday night. “It’s always important to perform in front of your home fans, and this week offers the team a chance to end the home Test season unbeaten, and square the series against New Zealand.” Wallabies: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Leali’ifano, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.Replacements: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 James Horwill, 20 Matt Hodgson, 21 Nic White, 22 Quade Cooper, 23 Rob Horne. Date: Saturday, October 18Venue: Suncorp Stadium, BrisbaneKick-off: Local 19.00 (22.00 NZ time; 10.00 GMT)Referee: TBC

Cooper is an erratic type of player that can be a hit of a flop in any given game (& sometimes within the same game). He will come off the bench but it will be interesting to see what he has to offer.

 Where is Speight?

Wrong Just, Cooper is pure class, love the way he plays the game  

Cooper for Beale....Beale for Cooper. And the only beneficiaries are the opposition. T he dream goes on.

Saffex: Cooper is exciting & comes up with some crazy plays that can make the highlights of any week but he can also provide plenty of material for the Cooper Blooper videos. 
McKenzie may gamble on playing him for a good portion of the game if Wobblies are behind. He has nothing to lose & needs to shut the press up.

 Wrong Cooper has refined his game. It's now steady mixed with brilliance.
Only conservative pricks like Moffie would conclude that such a talented player is a liability. ...sums his rugby up perfectly.
For Moffie it's Morne that gives him a hard on

 Please cooper has refined his game. Dave please stick to your SA biast about Matfeild. The dude is a showpony. He is good at Super Rugby lvl when he has time and space. But he is no different to JOC or Beale, at Test level with limited time and space he is found wanting, and is a liability and a passenger. I hope he comes on and Richie smashes him. How do we know he has refined his game though. Last time he played any competitive rugby was with the Reds. I can't understand anyone trying to justify oh I saw him in the Oz NPC lol. Like thats an competitive environment or competition haha, hardly a measuring stick is it. Well see how he goes, but don't be surprised if he comes on has a brain explosion steps like ten players, runs to the side line throws a flick pass, Mccaw intercepts and try! .

 @Beeno I am told to be heard, Speight is not eligble for Oz yet, on EOYT I think. 

 He became eligible in September but has been injured and is being eased in. I think he is in the Wallaby squad and camp at the moment to get a feel for the whole Wallaby thing and should get some games on the EOYT. Have to agree on Cooper. To much of a confidence player which is never great at test level. Can turn a game in an instant, unfortunately can turn either way. We need stability at the minute not someone who may have a blinder or just as easily choke.

 My thoughts exactly Claydog.