Far from taking offence at being bumped from fullback yet again, Wallabies star Adam Ashley-Cooper is embracing his switch to the NSW Waratahs wing.
Sounding an alarm for the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night, Ashley-Cooper said he relished the wing position because it’ll give him more freedom to roam in attack.
Waratahs coach Michael Foley continued a trend that’s become all too familiar for Ashley-Cooper, both with the Wallabies and his former Super Rugby team the Brumbies, when he took advantage of his versatility for the clash with the Rebels at AAMI Park.
Wanting to make room for the impressive Bernard Foley, he picked him at fullback and shifted Ashley-Cooper to the wing in place of youngster Brackin Karauria-Henry.
“I’ve certainly got no problems with that,” said Ashley-Cooper, who had also spent much time at outside centre.
“I love the wing. I think that wing probably gives me the most freedom actually.
“15 (fullback) at times can be a little structured, so I’m really going to embrace the wing this week and really go searching for that ball.”
With former Waratah Kurtley Beale ruled out of the Melbourne side, newcomer Foley is well aware of the threat from the prodigious kicking of Rebels replacement fullback Mark Gerrard.
“I have played against him and he does have an absolute monstrous boot and I think he will be a challenge,” Foley said.
“But then also having (five-eighth) Danny Cipriani, with his left-foot kicking the other side of the field is another challenge.”
Foley has spent most of his career at five-eighth but played several games at fullback for Sydney University.
One intriguing head-to-head battle on Friday will be between Waratahs’ hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and his former NSW team-mate and rival Adam Freier.
“I’m pretty sure he’ll be looking forward to getting in amongst the action,” said Polota-Nau.
“I actually look forward to confronting him, but also trying to get the better of him too.
“I’ve got the (afro) hair nice and fluffed up today, so hopefully he can feel the action amongst the scrum.”
Asked if Freier was a good sledger, Polota-Nau said “Usually, but I’ll let my actions do the sledging.
“For me, it’s important that we probably worry about our own sort of stuff, rather than listen to his little niggles.”
Johnno
Guest
I thought you meant AAC would be moved to the tv show the OC who needs melon. He was dating celebirty Pip Willow Who Needs Melon, but now broke up, maybe home and away .
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
Not sure what you are disagreeing with. This week it is 'I love the wing'. Next week or so he will probably be moved to OC and we will see another interview with a quote that he is 'happy to be moved closer to the action'. I'm not having a go at AAC - we know he is Mr. Versatile - I'm just over the new interview every time he switches position which is every other week.
jeznez
Guest
ps, I am bloody glad the Tahs played well but to dominate the Rebels forward pack isn't anything to write home about. Going to have to lift another level next week. There were periods of the game where the Rebels pack dominated and that won't be good enough against the top sides.
jeznez
Guest
Agree that Douglas is really stepping up, seems to have stripped a smidge of size back off and is really lifting his work rate compared to last year. Is only two games so far but I like what I am seeing. Palu looked good tonight as well, until the camera followed him when he went off and caught a shot of his knee - wow, not something you should be seeing in round two.
Johnno
Guest
Timani
granville
Guest
the Waratahs forward pack was awesome tonight.......Kane Douglas is really showing his worth after another great game, Hugh Pyle was also fantastic, the #6 for the Rebels is a promising young man who can be the real deal at #6 in the future. Higgins may have the skillls but he's not a typical head burrying busy #6, i think after 2games Dave Dennis has really improved and also Palu's form is coming back.......so far after 2games i would select my Wallabies pack as follows......1-Benn Robinson. 2-TPN. 3-Sekope Kepu. 4-Hugh Pyle. 5-Kane Douglas. 6-Dave Dennis. 7-None. 8-Wyclif Palu........(Pocock is a walk in at #7), the best locking combo should be Horwill and Hugh Pyle with Douglas on the reserve bench and no more Simmons and Mumm
Blinky Bill of Bellingen (proudly Waratah country)
Guest
Well don't let her near him again because he played much better tonight. ;) I'm thinking 'it's celibacy for him until the season is over'. Maybe Mrs. Palmer & her 5 daughters but definitely no women to put him off his game again.
Johnno
Guest
AAC cooper has broken up with celebrity Pip Willow, big story today.
ianfdesmond
Roar Rookie
I have to disagree. AAC is a great utility back, jack of all and master none. I would take a player who keeps his opinions to himself over some prima donna giving it the big 'I am.' Hats off to the man.
Albo
Guest
You gotta hand it to AAC. The guy gets thrown around more than an East German shotput but he never complains. I have a lot or respect for him as a person and rugby player. I look forward to that epic right arm fend coming out on a few Rebels who make the mistake of trying to take him to high.
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
Could the guy seriously give a sh!t any more? "Oh I'm on the wing this week? Yeah. Good-o, whatever. When can I have turn being captain?"