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Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper has slammed New Zealand rugby fans for their continued booing of teammate Quade Cooper.
In echoes of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, Australian playmaker Cooper was roundly booed by the Kiwi contingent in the crowd at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Saturday, when the All Blacks triumphed 47-29 in the opening Bledisloe Cup clash.
The two teams do battle again this Saturday in Wellington and the reception for Cooper on New Zealand soil will likely be more hostile, as Kiwi fans maintain the rage over two acts viewed as cheap shots against All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw dating back to 2010 and 2011.
But Hooper, like New Zealand fullback Israel Dagg, believes it’s high time the All Blacks supporters let it go, as McCaw has long since done.
“I think it’s quite unreasonable what the All Blacks supporters are doing to him (Cooper),” said Hooper on Monday.
“He’s a great player and a great guy so I think everyone who enjoys footy wants to see him do well.
“I think the booing’s a bit below the belt sort of stuff.
“He deserves more than that as a player.”
Cooper first earned Kiwis’ ire when he shoved their favourite son McCaw in the back of the head after the Wallabies scored the match-winning try in Hong Kong in a 2010 Test.
He was then cited, although later cleared, for kneeing McCaw in the head during a pre-World Cup Test in 2011.
The New Zealand-born five eighth was subsequently booed by Kiwi fans whenever he touched the ball during the World Cup in New Zealand that year and it appeared to take a toll as he had a mixed campaign.
Hooper has support in the All Blacks camp with Dagg speaking out after Cooper again copped the boo treatment when he played for the Queensland Reds against the Crusaders in Christchurch earlier this year.
“Great win by the boys but please peeps give @QuadeCooper a break!! Disappointed by the boos #moveon,” Dagg tweeted.
Hooper said he couldn’t comment whether the booing bothered Cooper, who came off the bench at ANZ Stadium.
But he said he should harness the hate.
“I can’t comment for him, but personally something like that would spur you on so I think he’s got it under control.”
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.