Amid all the upheavals within the Wallaby camp, “Mr Fix It” Adam Ashley-Cooper will play his 100th Test next Saturday at Suncorp in the third Bledisloe Cup clash.
It’s a mighty milestone for arguably the most consistent Wallaby in recent years, no matter where he plays.
As a kid at Berkeley Vale High School on the Central Coast, Ashley-Cooper was a fly-half and inside centre.
Once he cracked the Brumbies and the Wallabies in 2005, he often filled the outside centre, both wings, and full-back with the same passion and commitment.
There’s no point in asking where he’ll be selected next time, it’s a lottery for the now 30-year-old who has worn the 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 jerseys during his career with equal ability.
He’s a very handy man to have on board.
Ashley-Cooper will join the Wallaby centurions – George Gregan (139), Nathan Sharpe (116), George Smith (111), Stephen Larkham (102) and David Campese (101).
Up against him next Saturday will be All Black skipper Richie McCaw, who is honing in on the most-capped rugby international of all time. That honour is held by Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll with 141 – 133 of them for the men in green, and eight for the Lions.
Saturday will be McCaw’s 134th game, and with five end-of-the-year Tests to be played, he will join Gregan on 139, leaving 2015 with the World Cup, Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship to set a caps record that will take some catching.
The closest to McCaw among the current players is veteran teammate and hooker Keven Mealamu, who will be playing his 120th international on Saturday.
Not far behind is champion Bok lock Victor Matfield, who didn’t like retirement, so came back and is still going strong on 117. Prop Gethin Jenkins is also going strong with 112, that includes a record 107 caps for Wales, and five for the Lions.
But Saturday at Suncorp belongs to the Wallaby vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper. A win over the All Blacks would be the icing on the cake.
Silver Sovereign
Guest
if it was up to me, he wouldn't be playing this weekend at all. Bad discipline on the euro tour now followed up by being part of a player revolt against the coach, and tweeting support for a guy who should be fired. Not much of a leader in my opinion. He and Hooper should be dropped from the leadership of the team
Hoqni
Guest
What a milestone for a man who wears different numbers for the Wallabies. Does anyone have the numbers of Super Rugby matches played by these centurions
WoobliesFan
Guest
Most overrated centurion in rugby. Also a key provocateur in destabilising the wallaby locker room and undermining the coach.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Show some respect
pjm
Roar Rookie
And he's an outside back.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Well Done AAC. Excellent achievement. My favourite Wallaby player. From a Bok supporter.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
I've always enjoyed the way AAC has played for the Wallabies (except his inability to pass from 13 to 14/11). Good luck to him for his 100th this Saturday night. I expect he'll be awarded one of those plonky old caps with a tassle, and will wear it with pride. As for the off-field dramas, there is one glaring omission from all of the discussion so far: What does AAC's mum reckon about the texts KB sent about Di? Get onto it journos. Enquiring minds want to know.
Cole
Guest
This guy is all class, in a generation of players that have under performed he can stand alongside the likes of Pocock and Moore and hold his head high. For that reason I will enjoy this bledisloe game in spite of the impending wallaby implosion on field in light of recent events.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
If I was a nasty type I'd point out that AAC has played 100 games and passed twice, but I'm not so I won't.
ChanWee
Guest
what is astonishing is that he managed a century despite not holding onto any one position for a substantial time. lot of guys like him just end up with average no of caps simply becoz there is no fixed spot . he is not a really good player but a true servant of the team, always giving his best efforts no matter what.
Kilbongteb
Guest
And disappointing he eventually finds a home in the position he is least suited to here hoping kurindrani keeps him away from 13 for good
Die hard
Roar Rookie
He is the ultimate jack of all trades and master of none. Fantastic for AAC that he gets a hundred. Disappointing for Australia that such a bits and pieces player has to last so long.
Rhino
Guest
Yeah good point. I can't really remember anything particularly special being done for Gregan, Sharpe, Larkham, Smith and co. Don't the normally just leave it to the TV/media to make a fuss of them. Fancy AAC's Mum and family being upset at the ARU again. They're consistent at least. Maybe they should have the party at that pub in Dublin. Well done to AAC on the tonne. Never destined to go down as a Wallaby great but a true warrior nonetheless.
Play the Game
Guest
I believe that AAC would be one of the few players in the current Wallabies that are truly respected by the ABs and the Boks.
formerflanker
Guest
He certainly joins illustrious company in the 100+ game ranks. AAC always plays his heart out in every game. Let's hope he is on the winning side on Saturday.
HiKa
Guest
George Smith was just about the all-time champ in recovering and staying fit to play. Last year he overcame a knee ligament strain in half the time expected to be ready to play against the Lions. He was aked his secret. The answer: "Lots of sleep." Simple, yet unsurprising after a bit of thought about what the body does when we sleep.
SandBox
Roar Guru
Thanks DL, pleasant change to read some good news about the Wallabies
Mike
Guest
Thanks for the article David. Its a great milestone by a great competitor for his country.
Monday's Expert
Guest
Did they organise anything "special" for any of the others?
Magic Sponge
Guest
if only the amigos were as disciplined and skillful as AAC we would not have these continual crisis problems and we would beat the abs occassional