Queensland’s miserable Super Rugby season has taken another turn for the worse with Quade Cooper set to miss the next two months with a fresh injury.
Cooper fractured his scapula making a tackle in the Reds’ 23-15 loss to the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night and will be sidelined for up to eight weeks.
The match was only Cooper’s second of the year having just returned from a pre-season collarbone fracture, with his latest setback to put an enormous dent in his Rugby World Cup dreams and to the Reds’ faint hopes of somehow qualifying for the Super Rugby finals.
No.8 Jake Schatz also ruptured a tendon in his elbow in Melbourne, putting him out of action for a month, after which the Reds say his injury will be “reviewed”.
Queensland head to South Africa on Sunday for a two-week tour and coach Richard Graham said he would take the next 24 hours to make a decision as to who would join the 27-man squad for the tour to replace Cooper and Schatz.
“After building on a good foundation from last week, it’s disappointing to lose the two boys ahead of an important tour,” Graham said.
“The playing group showed incredible resolve to play out 60 minutes of last night’s match with just 14 men and still be a shot at winning the match, so I have no doubt they’ll take a similar approach to this set back.
“I will have a meeting with the coaching staff today about what balance we need to achieve within the squad, but the benefit we do have is we have had a number of younger players gain further experience at Super Rugby level earlier this season.
“All we need to worry about is the things we can control and that is our attitude, preparation and performance.”
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Charlies, that wasn't a shoulder charge. Cooper came off the wing to try & perform a spot tackle to kill the ball. His technique was poor & it look to me like he wanted to lead with the wrong shoulder. He got himself in a awkward position & unfortunately against the bigger man got the worst off it. The S15 is a less exciting game without him playing & although I didn't rate him a few years ago I believe that he is showing real maturity in his play now. Hopefully he gets the injury sorted (the scapula can be a nasty place to have a fracture) & comes back strong.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Mike, The Wallabies are facing England & Wales in their pool this year. I think what JBJ is saying is that against those teams the forwards need to get on point.
Jack
Guest
Do not think you know what a shoulder charge is and for you to call Cooper a has been who has never been any good it is obvious that you do not recognise natural talent,you are a hater or just looking for a bite.You must be a kiwi who hopes he will not be fit for WC
Charlies
Guest
brilliant shoulder charge more like it. Cooper is a has been and has been for years never really reached any great heights at test match level only at super 15 did he make any inroads, kind of says it all about the player really
Charlies
Guest
Jack, Have you been watching the way he tackles cooper shoulder charges and then attempts to wrap his arms after the event to make it look legal. He has always been a turnstile when it comes to tacking and this is his just desserts for shoulder charging using poor technique on a bigger player than him.
Terry Kidd
Guest
So if all the planets align then Cooper will get back on the field just prior to the 4N which means he will not be selected. That puts a major dent in RWC selection hopes.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Your memory is even shorter. He was excellent in 6 of his 8 games in 2013. By your logic no player can ever improve.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Has everyone got short memories aka 2011 world cup. He was absolutely terrible and has done nought since
Brian USA
Guest
The 1.5 games he has played this season have been pretty darn good considering both times he was behind a beaten pack...
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Geeez this is a real shame, he is going to be up against it to force his way into the Wallabies lineup. We didn't see much of him on the Spring Tour, he is our best 10 when fit.
PeterK
Roar Guru
a real fairy tale comeback would make a good movie.....with qc winning the rwc
PeterK
Roar Guru
Utah - I rated his first 2 weeks well. He was very good in the first round. I understand your point re confirmation bias.
Utah
Guest
As long as you're judging him on his play week by week, rather than on a perceived weakness.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Ahh replace the myth with a fable kinda thing.........
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
To me it looked like his opponent was on him faster than he thought kinda thing, that he had to make the tackle while still getting into position for it.
PeterK
Roar Guru
If QC is out and Foley gets injured CLL should be the 10 his game fits Cheikas game plan better.
PeterK
Roar Guru
good rugby player but not a playmaker This is not a popularity contest but a contest of ideas. I imagine most of the pro Toomua are brumby supporters.
White
Roar Rookie
I don't think Foley is a bad flyhalf. He is definitely good. But it wasn't his amazing skills that won it for the Tahs last year. I would put it more down to the forwards, strong defense, and a solid backline. I don't think Foley puts too much fear in international teams. Sadly I don't think any of our other flyhalf options do. We probably have bigger issues that our flyhalf dilemma though.
Dingo
Guest
Beale was the playmaker and sets up most of the tahs try's, foley is a catch and pass guy
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Hey Mike. We're talking about test rugby aren't we. Why don't we watch the last spring tour instead ?