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Quade Cooper wouldn’t have played in the Sydney Sevens if he didn’t train today according to Australian sevens coach Andy Friend.
“If we get the feeling talking to him and to the medical team, that it is too big a risk, then we will make a decision then,” Friend told Iain Payten of the Daily Telegraph yesterday.
“There is that risk of him doing some damage to himself.
“Having watched Sonny Bill on the weekend, he is renowned as one of the world’s fittest men in rugby and here he was playing sevens and he was blowing big time. And he has had a month’s preparation.
“He was used reasonably sparingly but the physical exertions required to get through a game of sevens far outweigh those to get through a game of 15s.
“If there is any uncertainty there, it may be a case of let’s hold back, it is good to have him here and we’ll focus on the next tournament.”
But it seems, if Payten’s own Twitter account is anything to go by, that Quade must have got plenty of kip on the plane to Australia, because after arriving in Australia at around 6:30am, he was training with Thunderbolts teammates at the national sevens base in Narrabeen.
It’s perhaps the best indicator that Quade will make his sevens debut for Australia in Sydney this weekend at Allianz Stadium. The Sydney tournament is one of only three he has been given dispensation to play in from his French club Toulon.=
Quade Cooper straight into @Aussie7s training after getting off a plane at 6.30am. Was there ever any doubt? pic.twitter.com/7eSmWqbhV1
— Iain Payten (@iainpayten) February 2, 2016
We think that’s Quade in the middle of the photo there, but don’t quote us.
Either way, it’s a massive boost for the tournament, and with one of the biggest names in rugby in Australia, alongside Sonny Bill Williams, adds plenty of intrigue for casual viewers who love, or love to hate, Quade Cooper.
Another thing that will no doubt interest fans is how much time Cooper gets on the field. At this stage, with limited experience in the sevens format, it appears Cooper will appear off the bench, or perhaps starting against weaker opponents. Friend to Payten again.
“If we do pick him, that’s exactly what we would do. We wouldn’t throw him out there at the start of the game,” Friend said.
What do you think Roarers? Where would you like to see Quade Cooper used, if at all, at the Sydney Sevens this weekend?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.