Cooper to stand up and be counted, or counted out
Columnist By David Lord, 25 Aug 2012 David Lord is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- All Blacks, Quade Cooper, Rugby Union, wallabies
It doesn’t matter where you look in the lead-up to tonight’s return clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park, up bobs Quade Cooper.
He has dominated the news from the moment he was resurrected last Thursday for his first international of the year.
You’d swear he was the only one playing, which translates to, he had better be a key player or he will cop the mother and father of a public bollocking.
And whose fault is that? Quade Cooper’s from the word go.
But where was the advice from coach Robbie Deans and manager Rob Egerton to guide this loose cannon?
Had Cooper not treated the media and his faithful supporters to that bizarre television cameo after his selection of just 23 words lasting seven seconds before he stomped off without answering any questions, he wouldn’t be so much under the pump.
Cooper knows he’s going to cop the big time verbals from the Eden Park faithful, who gave him hell during the Rugby World Cup. So why give them more ammunition on a plate?
Bad call.
In fact, there have been a lot of bad calls after that disgraceful performance in the Sydney Test last Saturday where the Wallabies only lost 27-19 thanks to Berrick Barnes’ faultless boot.
But they never ever looked like winning.
Despite that undeniable fact, only Kurtley Beale and Anthony Fainga’a were dropped, when Rob Horne and Scott Higginbotham deserved to join the fullback on the bench at best.
So did Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu deserve the flick, but injuries to both took care of that instead.
Quotes attributed to Deans were also concerning.
“I want the forwards to hit harder, and think smarter. We were outplayed in every facet last week.
“We’ve got to do better”.
Pretty basic and obvious stuff.
So I have some pretty basic and obvious questions for Robbie Deans.
What will the desire, dedication, and defence levels be like tonight with the Wallabies?
The pride and passion levels?
Hopefully a minimum of kicking. You can’t win without the ball.
And how about consistent quick ball from the forwards, matched by quick hands, and quick thinking, among the backs?
All those questions are what makes Wallaby rugby tick. Not the aimless drivel we saw last week.
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- Explore:
- All Blacks, Quade Cooper, Rugby Union, wallabies
August 25th 2012 @ 4:34am
ThelmaWrites said | August 25th 2012 @ 4:34am | Report comment
Hi David,
Is it too much to hope that the coming match against NZ will be a crucible for Quade?It’s lamentable if such talent never reaches its true potential.
August 25th 2012 @ 10:19am
garth said | August 25th 2012 @ 10:19am | Report comment
I think he has reached his true potential. He reminds me of Carlos Spencer, too mercurial, too unpredictable. This is a fine thing when it confuses your opponents, but disastrous when it does the same to your own team.
August 25th 2012 @ 8:07pm
atlas said | August 25th 2012 @ 8:07pm | Report comment
enough with the Spencer comparisons
Cooper has played one more test that Spencer – 36 v 35.
Cooper has score 68 points, Spencer 291. 6 tries v 14.
I know which one I’d choose every time.
August 25th 2012 @ 4:36am
Johnno said | August 25th 2012 @ 4:36am | Report comment
Sack Deans tonight if he doesn’t improve the wallabies effort. Last chance Saloon , otherwise his plane ticket will be cancelled . And he can stay home , as he is home .
August 25th 2012 @ 5:32am
ThelmaWrites said | August 25th 2012 @ 5:32am | Report comment
Hi Johnno!
This Sack Deans business is getting to sound like mass hysteria.
Cheers.
August 25th 2012 @ 6:04am
Johnno said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:04am | Report comment
Hi Thelma Wrties
Well even warren Gatland is jointing the bandwagon of mass hysteria saying Deans could be out of job if he loses badly this weekend.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/stats-dont-lie–figures-show-coopers-the-king-20120823-24p1s.html?skin=text-only
August 25th 2012 @ 6:12am
ThelmaWrites said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:12am | Report comment
Good morning, Johnno!
Your source is half-serious, and from where did the quote of Gatland come from?
August 25th 2012 @ 6:30am
Johnno said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:30am | Report comment
good morning thelma writes
the canbarra times.
August 25th 2012 @ 7:05am
Johnno said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:05am | Report comment
Also in the herald thelma garland says the same thing.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/wales-kiwi-coach-to-lead-lions-to-australia-20120822-24muz.html
August 25th 2012 @ 8:48am
Shungmao said | August 25th 2012 @ 8:48am | Report comment
Johno ,
Stretching it a bit with the article brother.
Gatland will be under the same pressure as well if his team of stars can’t step up to the southern hem teams, there Aussie tour was poor and the wallabies are now there bogie team.
What is interesting is another coach mentioning the quality of our young lads, but our problem is we can’t get them on the paddock.
August 25th 2012 @ 8:09pm
atlas said | August 25th 2012 @ 8:09pm | Report comment
read Warren Gatland was at the game tonight – he flies back to UK from Auckland in the morning.
Not that he will have learned too much from watching for the Wallabies game plan (what was it?) to work on strategies to combat their attack . . . ahem
August 25th 2012 @ 5:01am
SandBox said | August 25th 2012 @ 5:01am | Report comment
yet to see a coherent reason why his short press conference matters. Unless he played in Sydney, then why is he being judged on this test? Not the right time to see him get back on the horse.
Well done to the kiwis for making a mountain out of a hobbit hole.
Maybe we should get even. Lets ask the Saffas for something from the apothecary, or maybe the french can import some irradiated Tahitian water especially for the match
Better still, maybe we can play to win this time
August 25th 2012 @ 7:28am
Kuruki said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:28am | Report comment
Funny how it doesn’t matter what Quade did not say even though he was one of the Wallaby players designated to speak to media as part of their obligation, yet it matters to you guys when McCaw doesn’t mention your team or thank your players in his post match chat. A minute after playing a test match McCaw still cops it for his apparent lack of effort in praising your mob yet Quade cant even string more then a sentence together at a media conference as one of the designated reps for the Aussie team.
Wow what does that say about the character of the man and your rugby sides lack of respect to rugby fans and media.
Incredibly poor taste and sportsmanship from you Aussies i don’t know how you can sleep at night after that. tsk tsk
He is being judged on this test because it is his first test back after his world cup shocker.
Why is it not the right time to get back on the horse? his team needs his spark if they are any chance of winning, do you expect him to be wrapped in cotton wool again? we all saw what happened last time they did that.
There is never an easy time to be introduced into a Bledisloe battle between Aus and NZ this will be a true test of Quades character, if he can deliver a good strong display tonight i think it will do him the world of good and also earn Kiwi fans respect.
August 25th 2012 @ 6:54pm
SandBox said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:54pm | Report comment
because last week was the right time, not this week, a pure hospital pass. Blind Freddy can see this.
A post match interview by a team Captain is somewhat different to a player announcing he is back in the team. Having said that, I have never had a problem with Richie post match. I do have a problem with Kiwis elevating him to Deity level. Making us the only enemy you have when the Frogs do Nuclear testing in your back yard, and of course the Safas poisoned you. Cooper once bumped McCaw, so that makes us worthy of your spit. GFY
August 25th 2012 @ 9:43pm
Jay said | August 25th 2012 @ 9:43pm | Report comment
‘Incredibly poor taste and sportsmanship from you Aussies”
This coming from a bunch of supporters who boo and jeer Cooper anytime because he had the audacity to touch Sir Richie. For a bunch of such knowledgable supporters you seem to forget that both Sir Richie and Cooper had an even running battle in HK when it all started. But no, Cooper is the villain.
Come back to us and talk about sportsmanship when you can admit the treatment Cooper got during the world cup and since then has been nothing short of disgusting.
August 26th 2012 @ 11:20am
liam said | August 26th 2012 @ 11:20am | Report comment
ok, it was disgusting. gotten over it? good.
richie has been accused of cheating and called all sorts of names for years and years, and certainly after quades scuffles with him. im sure many wallabies boo him from their couches. he’s not bothered. quade was the big man to take it on himself and ask for the attention of the public…. he made up the public enemy tag himself remember! honestly, what would the aussie public do in aussie if a kiwi talked it up like that and basically called them out, which is what he did. it’d be same result. it would have come off spectacularly if he’d pulled out a few blinders, he’d be hero worshipped in oz and a celeb the world over as a rugby god.
didnt work though. he gambled big, lost. he’ll get over it, if he ever plays well again or even keeps his head down he’ll have a lotof respect from people who have given him stick including the kiwi rugby public. genia and ioane are thoroughly respected in nz.
big woop.
August 25th 2012 @ 6:29am
Mr Red said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:29am | Report comment
Lordy, Lordy … I’ve been enjoying your columns but now you write like Greg Crowden or a Kiwi comentator. Good on QC for dropping the mic and avoiding stupid, predictable questions. Clearly you were there as you have been ranting for days. What the fans want is delivery on the field. You journos build up these circuses but get shirty when your monkey won’t perform. Quade has been a massive driver for change in QLD rugby. Done far more than you. He hasn’t quite translated that at Test level but deserves our support. Go stick it to em Quadey!!
August 25th 2012 @ 6:41am
David Lord said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:41am | Report comment
Mr Red, I sincerely hope Quade has a blinder, and I will be the first one to salute him. But he must realise he has a responsibility to his army of supporters, who have been vocal for his return. But he sold them short with 23 words and seven seconds worth.
August 25th 2012 @ 6:59am
TJ said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:59am | Report comment
David…..Quade’s responsibility to his army of supporters is to deliver on the field which is where he has ability , not in front of cameras and recorders where he is out of his depth. I think he has matured and after witnessing first hand what he copped in NZ last year I hope he shows some of his magic to shut up that biased kiwi crowd . He will only do that if the pack delivers. If they don’t then the backs will be of little use regardless of who they are and what state they come from. If QC delivers as we know he can , the NZ economy will go into further recession and the trip back to the hotels by Aussie supporters will be something out of a terror movie.
August 25th 2012 @ 7:31am
Kuruki said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:31am | Report comment
Mate you guys are becoming more and more like the yanks everyday. Your propaganda is amusing. Maybe we should have metal detectors installed at the gates of Eden Park to keep you guys safe. Maybe armed escort to and from the ground also.
August 25th 2012 @ 8:48am
TJ said | August 25th 2012 @ 8:48am | Report comment
Kuruki…..you obviously weren’t at the WC Final when, with 10 mins to go and the French going for it and the Kiwi crowd silent, there were about 100 police who slowly entered the playing area ….I wonder Why !!!!! By the way, the quip about the economy crashing after an AB defeat came from a former AB and further, I seem to recall hearing on the NZ TV during the WC that the Kiwi Prime Minister would only win the election if the AB’s won the World Cup…..now tell me, who’s like the Yanks . BUT —- as I young boy I was at Sydney Cricket Ground and joined in the laughter when a Mr. Don Clarke placed the pig skin ball upright and behind half way ….we thought it ridiculous and razzed him ….he hit it through the posts and into the Member’s Stand…..I learn’t early never under estimate AB’s on a rugby field. The likes of Lochore, Tremain and Meads etc were heroes to many rugby fanatical Aussies including me.
August 25th 2012 @ 12:24pm
all7days said | August 25th 2012 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
Believing anything any countries media tells you… very Yank like
August 25th 2012 @ 2:44pm
Michael Warren said | August 25th 2012 @ 2:44pm | Report comment
TJ, Lordy is right. All that is needed from QC is a simply apology to Ritchie McCaw and all would be forgiven. It would show that he has grown up and matured. His current antics still point to him being an arrogrant brat that deserves all the crowd give him.
August 25th 2012 @ 7:01am
Uncle Argyle said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:01am | Report comment
Lordy,
I am a Cooper fan and my respect went up further. Mate I couldn’t care if he was a mute. Let his actions do the talking. I get that it makes your job a little tougher but there is plenty of other rugby stuff to write about is there not?
August 25th 2012 @ 11:30am
all7days said | August 25th 2012 @ 11:30am | Report comment
Exactly. Seems a few Journos feel bitter from not being able to ask him their previously prepared “headline building” questions.
August 25th 2012 @ 8:10am
sph45 said | August 25th 2012 @ 8:10am | Report comment
whatever
August 25th 2012 @ 10:41am
Kevinsons said | August 25th 2012 @ 10:41am | Report comment
Spot on Mr Red. His army of supporters know exactly what the journos would have asked him anyway and are probably sick to death of hearing about it. I just want to see him do the talking on the field.
I hope Berrick kicks off though…talk about pressure.
August 26th 2012 @ 11:21am
liam said | August 26th 2012 @ 11:21am | Report comment
david, maybe he thinks tweeting is a good replacement for talking
August 25th 2012 @ 7:56am
Munter said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:56am | Report comment
The time for talking is over, I agree with Mr Red & Tj.
August 25th 2012 @ 8:51am
Aussie James said | August 25th 2012 @ 8:51am | Report comment
I think the other wallabies should take a leaf out of his book – let their actions do the talking!! Enough of this movie star celebrity/ acting status!! I want a hard nosed skillfull footballer!!! That’s what will turn the wallabies around!!! Kudos to quade for doing something outside the box!!! And it’s that obvious that the media wanted a story and didn’t get one – so now they’ve gotta work to make one instead of copying bunch of quotes into an article and linking them up!!! Good on quade!! Good luck bud!!
August 25th 2012 @ 5:17pm
Sneaky Samurai said | August 25th 2012 @ 5:17pm | Report comment
To be honest, I don’t see what was wrong with his interview.
How often have the Wallabies talked up a big game in front of the cameras and then delivered diddly squat?
Maybe tonight the reverse will happen for a change.
August 25th 2012 @ 6:30am
Uncle Argyle said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:30am | Report comment
I think it makes for wonderful theatre to say the least. Eden Park, Quade Copper, the All Blacks, Bledisloe survival on the line. What more could you ask for except a famous Wallaby win. Fact is our back were so woefully inept last week in attack that a circuit breaker is required. Enter Quade Cooper.
I am sure the All Blacks will have a closer look at the Red’s playbook than the Wallabies of recent tests. Quite simply Barnes was standing too deep with little options of either shoulder. As pointed out on ‘The Rugby Club’ Cooper stands flatter, generally checks up the defence and then looks at his options. This should change the All Black defenceive structure.
It will all depend on what protection the Wallaby 8 gives Genia and Cooper close in. If they stand up tonight then they will give Quade the best chance. If we fail tonight I would predict it is becuase we have been bashed up front and Genia and Cooper can’t get any run on with forward momentum ball.
If our forwards are getting dished up, Quade should look for field position as that will be our only chance. I hope he has matured enough. I for one loved his media confrence. What the he’ll does he owe the media?
August 25th 2012 @ 12:06pm
Morgan said | August 25th 2012 @ 12:06pm | Report comment
Agree UA. Space and time and some front-footed runners around Quade will provide the optimal enviornment for him to perform. Having Barnes outside him is essential to relieve kicking pressure and provide multi-phase organisation. I consider Barnes the only player in Australian rugby who should play no.12 whilst QC is a fly-half. The fact this combination, which make complete sense, has only be used a few times over the last 3 years is a crime. With AAC at 13, Beale at 15 and Horne out of the 22 … we would actually have the backline we should have had for the last 20 tests. Imagine that combination of 6 backs having been together for a few years (give or take injuries)!
August 25th 2012 @ 6:30am
TJ said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:30am | Report comment
David……sure Deans could be asked about Desire , Dedication and Defence…..but, that is all speculative . The one fact I can establish is that Tony Shaw handed out the Jumpers to the Team —- now we are talking—–now we start thinking about 1978 when , without Coach and many senior players , the Wallabies took on the AB’s upfront and they got real real personal……one of the Wallabies greatest victories. That is the Pride we want to see in 2012.
As for Quade….he is a brilliant player ON HIS DAY and can turn a game. All this is on field stuff. What he does off field , including opening his mouth , is not real smart stuff. However, let’s all just give him a fair go. It’s hard enough for him to have to front up to Eden Park and face that chanting black wall of AB fanatics . Lets just hope he weaves one or two pieces of his magic …..he deserves to payback that crowd which castigated him at the WC last year.
I just hope the Wallaby forwards show the type of courage the 1978 pack showed…..I think Budda Handy slotted Andy Hayden that day just to let him know the Wallabies were there to play and not be mocked…….I hope Higginbotham can rise to the occassion out of respect for some great Queenslanders who came before him ( and I’m from NSW ). They were true Wallaby greats and I’m going right back to that tough breakaway named Jules Gueirasimoff (forgive the spelling). He understood Passion, Toughness etc and played for the love of the game.
Nothing more can be said by Dingo ( who may be very smart technically ..but doesn’t seem to understand Australians ) or supporters…..it’s now over to 15 players who have chosen to wear the Wallaby jersey….they should honor it by not taking one step backwards or they can hand it back and go and play in Japan or France…let the young and new Tony Shaws of Australia wear that jersey . They understand that when you wear gold you undertake to always gain the respect of your AB opposition and support your team mates through the challenges..
August 25th 2012 @ 6:45am
Justin2 said | August 25th 2012 @ 6:45am | Report comment
You “journalists” are like a kid who has had his bike taken from at Xmas! Would you like a tissue? Perhaps you could write a decent story instead of writing crap based around a hysterical headline.
August 25th 2012 @ 7:18am
nickoldschool said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:18am | Report comment
“he had better be a key player “. Quade Cooper IS a key player David. He might not always play at his best when he is a wallaby but he is the only hope for us. Without him, we had a ‘try not to lose by too many’ team last w-e. No unpredictability whatsoever, not much talent and very poor skills ball in hand. QC is the reason why we (I) love/watch rugby. I want raw talent, balls and envy on the pitch.
Yes he might be sent off tonight, or have a bad one, get a long pass intercepted, who cares at the end. He will try and we will see moves that are not yet written unlike the aimless kicks and bad passes we were fed with last w-e.
August 25th 2012 @ 7:20am
Johnno said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:20am | Report comment
I wish the aussies had the same attitude and pride in the jersey as the ab’s. After watching a bit of this it hit wow, this is what the wallabies are up against i didn’t realise how much pride kiwi’s have in the ab’s jersey and the soul of rugby in NZ, they love it hardcore big time. Wow fight hard wallabies, and too think Deans wore this jersey with his coaching form hard to believe.
August 25th 2012 @ 7:45am
Uncle Argyle said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:45am | Report comment
Johnno,
It is awesome to watch no doubt. But the Australian rugby community is passionate about the game and the Wallabies. We should not compare ourselves to New Zealand, rugby in Australia is a different deal. However we too have a ‘rugby culture’ and history that we should be very proud of. Our current mob would do well to sit down with a few mums and dads from local clubs, kids, club players in the bush, coast and city and get a perspective of what rugby means to them and the Wallaby jumper. They might actually benefit from it and recognise the privilidge of representing Australia in the great game of rugby.
August 25th 2012 @ 9:26am
Shungmao said | August 25th 2012 @ 9:26am | Report comment
Very cool!
Go you wallabies!
August 25th 2012 @ 5:12pm
stillmatic1 said | August 25th 2012 @ 5:12pm | Report comment
as a kiwi who hasnt seen this footage. i thank you, johnno!! gives me goosebumps.
August 25th 2012 @ 7:24am
Sam said | August 25th 2012 @ 7:24am | Report comment
David he spoke, albeit briefly. Why antagonize Kiwis with boasting or gunna do’s etc. He’s not Muhammad Ali, he is only one cog in a team. The story and the answers to questions as to why he wasn’t there the week before lay with Deans to answer. Many reports I read lamented the amount of blowhard talk and then non- performance the week before. Why invite te same again when heading into lions den over the ditch?
Go wallabies!