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Quade Cooper will only “enhance” the Wallabies’ chances after his shock selection at five-eighth for Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says.
Cooper has been thrown into the No.10 jersey for his first match at international level since last year’s World Cup, replacing Bernard Foley, who moves to inside centre to replace Matt Giteau (ankle).
The 28-year-old has a patchy record in New Zealand, where he has been booed mercilessly by local supporters and targeted by the All Blacks as a weak link in defence.
But Hansen offered something of a defence of Cooper when asked for his view of the selection.
“Quade’s a good player. He gets maligned a wee bit over here because of a few incidents with Richie (McCaw),” Hansen told reporters.
“We’re not too forgiving of people who pick on Rich – I’m talking about the fans.
“Within the team he’s well respected. He’ll enhance them, I think.”
Hansen – who, along with McCaw, called for New Zealand fans to get over their hatred of Cooper last year – expects the Wallabies will look to kick more and play a territory game as a result of his selection.
All Blacks five-eighth Beauden Barrett hopes a sold-out Westpac Stadium takes it easy on Cooper.
“He’s a good bloke and he deserves to be treated like anyone else,” Barrett said.
“I haven’t seen him play for a while but what we remember of him is his skills, his fast feet, he’s a really good stepper. We’ll analyse his kicking.”
Australia hasn’t won in New Zealand since 2001 and are the biggest outsiders in Bledisloe Cup history this week, but Hansen is bracing for the “kitchen sink” to be thrown their way.
“If we don’t have an attitude that we want to go and put two hands on the cup by taking it, if we wait and sit back, Australia will smack us,” he said.
“Then we’ll be in trouble.”
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.