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Comeback kid Ben Tapuai has defended Reds teammate Quade Cooper and owned up to his own form slump ahead of a potential fairytale return for the Wallabies.
Melbourne-raised Tapuai is well in the frame to play in Saturday night’s second Test against the British and Irish Lions in his home town following an injury-forced SOS sounded by Robbie Deans.
Deans had placed the Queensland centre squarely into the middle of the red-hot Cooper debate a month ago when he blamed the controversial 38-Test playmaker’s play for Tapuai’s mid-season Super Rugby slump.
Despite playing the last six Tests of 2012 and starting 2013 brightly for the Reds, the 24-year-old was benched by coach Ewen McKenzie, and ultimately overlooked for the Wallabies’ 31-man squad.
But Tapuai – who could start at either inside or outside centre against the Lions with midfielders Christian Lealiifano (concussion), Pat McCabe (neck) and Adam Ashley-Cooper (shoulder) all in doubt – said a hectic schedule and mere two-week off-season break had taken a toll on his form.
“The way Quade played didn’t affect my form,” he told AAP on Monday, adding he was surprised by Deans’ comments suggesting Cooper’s inconsistency rubbed off negatively on others.
“That’s Robbie’s opinion and everyone is entitled to their opinion but my body was getting sore and wasn’t pulling my weight up.
“My form wasn’t affected by someone else.
“Playing round one to round 10 my body was getting a bit tired and a bit sore.”
Waiting in the wings with Rob Horne, Tapuai is holding some mixed feelings as he aims to join forces again with 2012 playmaker Kurtley Beale for the second Test.
As much as he’d love to line up at Etihad Stadium, he also wishes Lealiifano can be cleared of a head knock which reduced his debut at Suncorp Stadium to a heart-breaking 52 seconds.
The pair are friends and junior Melbourne rugby rivals with Tapuai playing for Box Hill and Lealiifano for Northcote.
“It wasn’t good at all because I know him pretty well and his family,” said Tapuai.
“Rugby is a funny game. You play club rugby (in Brisbane) one week and the next week you get to play for your country here.
“It’s a big honour, and especially because 12 years ago I was watching just down the road (in Richmond) with mum and dad.”
McCabe has not officially been ruled out but is regarded highly unlikely.
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.