In a not-so-subtle hint to Robbie Deans, Wallabies halfback Will Genia says he never feels more comfortable than when Quade Cooper is at five-eighth.
As the Wallabies coach sifts through his No.10 options ahead of the British and Irish Lions series, Genia pushed his Queensland Reds teammate Cooper’s cause ahead of Friday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.
Cooper faces stiff opposition with the likes of Matt Toomua, Christian Lealiifano, James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale also vying for the chance to partner Genia in the Wallabies halves.
While Genia admitted he was frustrated by the Reds’ “stuttering” attack, he all but endorsed Cooper as his right hand man for the Lions series which starts on their home ground Suncorp Stadium on June 22.
“I love playing with Quade. I don’t feel as comfortable as I do with him,” Genia said on Tuesday.
“We’ve got a long relationship. We’ve played together for a long time – I really enjoy that combination.
“More than anything it is a trust thing. In whatever decision each makes we back and support each other.”
Cooper – who was fined last year for his “toxic” comments about the Wallabies camp under Deans – was at his diplomatic best when asked about Wallabies selection on Tuesday.
“It all depends on what the coach and the selectors are looking for,” he said.
“Personally I am doing my best to work with Will, get the best out of each other and the Reds – I am not looking further than that.”
Australia are due to name their squad on May 19 before the Lions begin their 10-match tour against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1.
Genia was keen to remind selectors just what the Reds halves could do together before then.
Queensland may have the table-topping Brumbies in their sights – trailing by two points – but Genia was still a frustrated man.
“Our attack is stuttering a bit and we haven’t scored as many tries as we would have liked,” he said.
“We have had mountains of possession and we are not able to convert them into points – that’s a big focus for us this week.
“We need to vary the way we play. At the moment we are doing the same thing over and over again – it’s not like us.
“We have a lot of strings to our bow.
“It’s about bringing them all out in a particular game.”
GWS
Guest
And it's not gibberish.
stillmatic1
Guest
if there was any consternation regarding cooper, one would hope that deans can see cooper is a better player this year and forget the stuff that happened last year. almost idiotic not to select him frankly. the least deans can do is put cooper there based on his current form and then if he fizzles, then the decision will be easier to drop him. never been a great admirer of cooper but its really a no-brainer that he will be the starting 10 v the lions. his defensive improvement is coming along well and the erratic nature of his play has subsided (probably not what the bandwagon reds fans want though due to the lack of flamboyance circa 2011).
stillmatic1
Guest
gee come on justin2. it has often been sighted and said that genia is the lighter for the fuse that is cooper and the performances where they play together are vastly different to what happens when cooper is alone. cooper like any flyhalf isnt much chop if the halfback is useless.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
What are you going on about?
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Deans didnt want a bar of Sharpe, until there was no one else...
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I was of the opinion that while Deans moved Pocock in he wanted Smith to stay part of the team. Smith didn't want to play second fiddle and took the cash o/s which rubbed Deans the wrong way. Anyway they seem to be sweet now.
Justin2
Guest
???
JDP
Roar Guru
I dont think there was a massive issue w George smith, other than RD thought it was time for Pocock to come through. From memory Pocock certainly repaid his faith with a man of the match performance in their win against Wales on that EOYT (and ever since really).
JDP
Roar Guru
Or against the Irish, or in the SF against the ABs....
JDP
Roar Guru
I think Robbie Deans was very diplomatic in dealing with QC's comments last year.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Deans may well hold grudges however all seems to be forgiven with George Smith. Perhaps his stance with Cooper may have softened. Let's hope so.
Justin2
Guest
I agree, I love how Genia throws the cut out passes for Quade, plays flat on the defence for Quade, kicks for Quade, counter attacks for Quade and runs for Quade. I dont think you even need a 10 with Genia there...
formeropenside
Guest
Perhaps because no one asked Genia about him, and he is probably about the 5th best no.10 in the country (behind QC, To'omua, JOC, Lilo, Beale, and probably also Lucas).
Jeramiah
Guest
How does foley not get mentioned
Jiggles
Roar Guru
I wan't Cooper in, but I just don't see it.
Cattledog
Roar Guru
Do a better job than Deans...
Sage
Guest
Que`? Who said that. I didn't, can't see any other posts here saying it and Genia didn't say it. Somehow you "know" that he "knows" this. Interesting.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
That's what I initially thought. Then I thought well maybe RD is not as anti-QC as the media portray and Cooper might still be a real chance for the Lions, hence Genia's line?
Chris
Guest
Big surprise there. Wonder how Quade feels knowing that 95% of the reason he is a good flyhalf is that he has Genia inside him.
Sage
Guest
I just can't see Robbie not pairing him with Genia in a first test at Lang Park regardless of toxicity etc etc. Stranger things have happened I suppose but I can't see it. Maybe he'll start O'Connor, which would be a mistake in my opinion, and then slot Quade in off the bench.