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CAMPO: Has the ARU done the right thing with Quade?

21st November, 2012
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(AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Expert
21st November, 2012
175
2562 Reads

Does anybody really know what Quade Cooper is doing? I believe he is leaving Australian rugby and will let everybody know on Monday. And if all the stories are right, who cut his salary and what did they expect Cooper to do?

Or did they plan for Cooper to leave? Have the ARU learned anything from this?

Some people may not be aware of Copper’s history with the ARU. They have been investing in him as far back as his school days – paying him a retainer to keep him loyal to rugby.

It would be an interesting ROI study as to what they have invested and what return they have received.

Right now, the Wallabies are having to learn to play an attacking game. So without Cooper, the backs are very easy to defend against.

For Robbie Deans and the team, this is a crucial tour.

The more attacking players in the backline, the more pressure and panic there is for the opposition team. He is certainly a great talent.

But unfortunately, he has always seemed less concerned about the team aspect and focused on his individual issues.

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Cooper’s conduct off the field has been disappointing: putting himself before the team with off-field indiscretions and poor timing around major announcements.

And his obsession with social media has proved to be part of his downfall.

There’s a lot more going on off the field that has added to that perception as well. Cooper has been a poor ambassador for rugby, with many off the field incidents

So what does Deans have to say?

A month ago, he said Cooper would be welcomed back. As his relationship with Deans has deteriorated, his place in the starting side is no longer guaranteed.

It seems to me that Deans loves tell the press something, yet he does the opposite. Look at Matt Giteau.

Isn’t it strange to lose two talented players in a year?

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I still think Deans has a lot to answer for as only 12 months ago he was praising Cooper. It was a similar story with Giteau.

I feel that the ARU have lost an opportunity to groom Cooper into a great Test player. His vision and anticipation are a real asset to the team.

But in my experience, flair players need guidance and mentoring. This seems to be missing for Cooper.

When he had the only two players who understand him – Beale and O’Connor – around, he played well. And the backline looked very dangerous.

But without them, he, and the team, struggled. The other players couldn’t read his vision and unpredictability and their robotic approach didn’t compliment his flair.

So where to next?

Who knows. Perhaps even he doesn’t. He won’t get the money he wants in league. I don’t think the NRL clubs can fit him in under their salary cap. Plus, he’d cop a bashing each week with even less room in which to work his magic.

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So let’s wait for the next chapter for Cooper.

Deans has been pretty quiet on the subject, but what does he really think?

I am sure Cooper is as passionate about rugby, as I am. But Cooper, like me, is becoming more and more disillusioned with Australian rugby. It’s hard not to be, given how predictable their style of play has become.

One try in three matches! Seriously.

Sadly our expectations around the team have dropped. We’re happy with that win against England, even though it looked like both teams were simply trying not to lose.

Yes, we won. But it’s the way they did it. It was just a negative game to watch.

Why can’t we score tries? There’s no vision or flair. Do they practice scoring tries at training?

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Why do we accept mediocrity?

I read a few comments from some people on The Roar who remarked on what great game it was! I must have been watching a different game or my expectations are far too high.

So today’s hot issue is Quade Cooper. We still don’t know if he will remain with the Wallabies.

Let’s wait and see.

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