So the Wallabies got there, just. How? Defence, esprit de cours and, yes, undoubtedly some luck. But no one wins a Rugby World Cup tournament without some luck!
I’ve been waiting for Cooper to come good. To harness the vitriol directed at him and help that embolden him and his play.
He says the tirade isn’t affecting him. He may also truly believe that he is immune, but his on-field play is evidence to the contrary.
You see the cacophony of boos, jeers, insults and, on occasion, downright unfettered hatred directed at him by the New Zealand crowds has dented the confidence of a confidence player.
I have further supporting evidence to table for you as well, your honour.
During the recent Super season, the mighty Reds paid a visit to the home of the lowly Rebels. This Rebels fan offered salient, erudite and ever passionate advice to Cooper, who made regular visits to my touchline to convert the silken tries his team were scoring.
On this evening, I also suggested to Digby Ioane that the referee for this game, was in fact, ‘the worst ref ever’.
To which Digby looked up, smiled and gave a hearty wave. Unexpected and classy.
Cooper took my nuggets of advice rather less well, culminating in the very noticeable shanking of a kick after I quipped ‘Quade, if the key to the front door doesn’t fit, it probably isn’t your house!’
We won’t dwell on the reasons for that comment. My point is that Quade was noticeably affected by the banter.
Okay, so what’s the point? Some smart-arse shouldn’t affect a top-level player, but it definitely seemed to.
Times that a thousand fold and amp up the ugliness and I do genuinely believe that this mass taunting is putting Quade off – not his game, but his confidence – however they are one and the same.
So come Sunday I would love to see B.
Barnes start at number 10. One of the key reasons I want to see this is that it will markedly lessen the home crowd’s impact on the game.
There can be a palpable energy generated by a throng that can feed onto the field. Barnes has a steadiness beyond his years and lest we forget, he is facing only a third string All Blacks number 10.
He is fundamentally less flamboyant and possesses fewer god-given-talents than Cooper, but correspondingly, this lack of heaven-sent unpredictability also ensures that he is less likely to biblical calamities!
My two cents – start Cooper on the bench. If the Wallabies are winning that is where he stays.
If not with 30 to go, sub Cooper on with complete carte blanche to let loose. No point trying to grind within seven points for a bonus point in a final.
A Cooper who has to invent, create and take risks to reign in a 12-point deficit is likely to be more successful than one who needs to see out a win with a slender lead.
A deficit scenario as previously described, necessitates a Quade Cooper while a measured and controlled lead-from-the-front win would better befit a Barnes.
Either of these can be achieved with Quade starting from the bench this Sunday.
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.
The 'Rugby Heaven' panel gave their verdict on the Wallabies fly-half options nearing the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season. Noah Lolesio has…
Former New Zealand skipper Kieran Read has backed Scott Barrett ahead of Ardie Savea to succeed Sam Cane as captain under Scott Robertson. Cane…
Waratah Caitlyn Halse will become the youngest ever Wallaroos player when she runs out in the No.15 jersey against the United States on Friday.…
As Jock Campbell modestly played down his chances of a Wallabies recall, the in-form Queensland fullback threw his weight behind rising fly-half Tom Lynagh’s…
In eight weeks or so a Wallaby will run onto the smooth field in Sydney with a number 15 on his back to set…
In Joseph Heller's wonderful novel, Catch-22, the title refers to an insoluble logical dilemma that faces the hero Yossarian in his efforts to avoid…
