Former Test hooker Brendan Cannon believes Quade Cooper, for so long Australian rugby’s maverick, is the “safe option” to pilot the Wallabies on Saturday night.
Cooper is expected to be one of a few subtle changes to Australia’s starting side to play South Africa at Suncorp Stadium when it’s announced on Wednesday.
New coach Ewen McKenzie surprised everyone by overlooking his long-time Queensland Reds playmaker in favour of Matt Toomua for the opening two Rugby Championship losses to New Zealand.
Toomua improved on his nervous Sydney debut in Bledisloe II but Cooper boasts a fantastic record against South African rivals and has a superb long pass which can better find dangermen Israel Folau and James O’Connor out wide.
McKenzie also needs his five-eighth to take more control of the game and Cannon believes the mercurial Cooper has the confidence and runs on the board against the Springboks.
“With Cooper the Wallabies certainly have a greater stiffness in attack and a greater variety about it,” the former 42-Test rake told Fox Sports.
“Matt Toomua has done very, very well but as Ewen has shown with the Reds in previous seasons, he picks the side depending on the opposition.
“I think Quade Cooper, against the Boks, is a good, safe option.”
McKenzie has kept his selection cards close to his chest but two or three changes appear likely to the run-on 15 which started well in Wellington before losing 27-16 to the All Blacks.
The biggest question mark is at fullback where Jesse Mogg has struggled to take his opportunities.
There’s been widespread calls for Folau to be moved into the position where he’s shone for the NSW Waratahs but concerns remain he could be exposed at No.15 at Test level.
Utility O’Connor is another option at fullback and was tightlipped when asked about another possible switch from wing.
McKenzie prefers to position Cooper at fullback in defence so that may also see Folau stay on the right wing.
Only minor tweaking is expected to the pack as well with McKenzie backing his incumbent forwards as the best available.
Tighthead prop Ben Alexander endured a tough night against the All Blacks in Wellington but replacement Sekope Kepu also struggled as Australia’s bench failed to make an impact.
James Slipper, a stand-out at loosehead, plays tighthead for the Reds but is more likely to stay in the No.1 jersey for the torrid battle with the big Boks pack.
Ball-scavenger Liam Gill is also in the mix as the Boks have made the breakdown a bigger focus than normal.
Possible Wallabies starting team: James O’Connor, Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, James Slipper.
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.
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