Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he will persist with Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley as the team’s playmaking axis despite Saturday’s crushing second Bledisloe Cup Test defeat to New Zealand.
Five-eighth Cooper made his return to international rugby after a year-long absence in the 29-9 defeat at Westpac Stadium, while Foley played in the Wallaby No.12 jersey for the first time in his 32-cap career.
The pair had little time to develop their combination with the All Blacks dominating possession, territory and the set piece for almost the entire match.
But with injured trio Matt Toomua, Matt Giteau and Rob Horne not expected to be back for Australia’s next Rugby Championship assignment against South Africa, Cheika said he would be sticking with Cooper and Foley for the foreseeable future.
“The two playmakers didn’t get much of a chance, really,” Cheika said.
“They were trying to work off bits and pieces when they had it and it’s something they’ll have to look at in the review but we’ll be persevering with that.
“We want to build that combination up and work with that.”
As expected, Cooper was booed by the sellout crowd in Wellington nearly every time he touched the ball, but the enigmatic 28-year-old did as much as he could in the circumstances, and even All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said he was impressed with his output.
“I think for a guy who hasn’t played for a long time he acquitted himself pretty well,” Hansen said.
“What ball he got was usually in the aerial kick to him and he defused a few of them and did pretty well.
“But it’s not a one-man game, it’s not Quade Cooper against the All Blacks, it’s 23 Australians versus 23 All Blacks.”
The Wallabies are back in action against the Springboks on September 10 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Overthehill
Roar Rookie
And who said I'm a Kiwi...
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Look at the 10/12/13. 10 - bloke who hasn't played for 4 months & that was as a FB. 12 - a 10 who hasn't played 12 for who knows how long & isn't exactly known for his physical play in attack or defence. 13 - young bloke playing his 3rd test who is more suited to 12. Funnily enough that inside back combo couldn't really do much with the limited possession they had.
Overthehill
Roar Rookie
Apparently he stands his ground every time ,takes nothing back,and does not back down to anyone /thing,just like when he was playing.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
What's scary is that Barrett has signed until the end of 2019 knocking back huge NH offers. What's even scarier is the way his younger but larger brother is playing.
System of a Downey Jr
Roar Rookie
I think Foley being played at 2nd-five is the true indication that the Wallabies attacking game plan was aimless. Foley is not and never will be a 12. I understand the coaches were forced into this position with injuries. But rather than double the playmaking you have half – because neither is willing to take on the line (Cooper has the ability but has chosen not to take on the line against the ABs in five years). Neither is a strong defender (Foley through tenacity at least attempts to be). Foley is a poor tactical kicker – neither are super strong penalty takers. And ultimately both are down on confidence and neither took 100% responsibility for the attacking shape. The fact they’re insisting on continuing with the Fooper folly against SA means they’re trying to figure out what these two can do – rather than having a clear objective. If Wallabies want to play attacking rugby and obviously they're picking from available players in current form - then I still think an in form Cooper is worth more points than Foley – especially against opposition that aren’t the All Blacks. I think Wallabies will get more parity across the park against SA - and with it a little more encouragement. Wait until they string two wins together - then we'll see some direction and purpose return. I’d go Cooper/Hodge. At least Hodge will attack the line, he has a good attitude (his post match comments were encouraging) and he’s young and eager enough to be shaped. Especially if he could be solid on defence.
Overthehill
Roar Rookie
Yeah.... well if I have to remind you of his name (Mat Burke) it begs the question,how many Burkes' do you see commentating on that channel .Rant you say?Just calling it as I see it!
Overthehill
Roar Rookie
Who said anything about one eyed NZ view
Ash
Guest
Why come to our country and live there if you're gonna complain about it? You want the one eyed NZ view then go home and watch Sky.
RugbyFan
Guest
His tackling was abhorrent, but in saying that most of the Wallabies were bad in that area, his "attempt" to tackle Dagg during his second try was laughable. I think that might be what he's trying to get at.
RugbyFan
Guest
Just me I've had both and by comparison they are a million miles better then having to listen to Phil Kearns, the by far worst commentator in world Rugby.
Kane
Guest
Not quite as scary to think that he's actually 25 though. Same age as Carter was when he tore up the Lions
Daveski
Guest
Who is this Greg Burke you speak of ? The fact you're as inaccurate as the commentators you criticise kinds of neuters your rant....
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
I kinda get the feeling that not everybody was seeing the game the same way as you last night.
Jockey
Guest
I'd love too see a phil Kearns interview after each wallabies loss.
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
Count your blessings you don have pay TV mate!!!!
Squirrel
Guest
Look at Cooper and the NZ tries. Pathetic
Squirrel
Guest
Cooper was terrible
Overthehill
Roar Rookie
WHY?
Damo
Guest
Why don't you move back over the ditch then?
Overthehill
Roar Rookie
I don't have pay TV,so I am 'forced' to watch channel 10's coverage of recent Bledisloe cup events.They not only supply match coverage, they also supply commentators who,by the time kick off comes totally forget to do just that.....commentate! What a pathetic 'call' on both games by so called Rugby knowledgeable' s who quite frankly, must have been watching different matches......certainly seeing and making appalling calls where by kick off it's become blatantly obvious where their allegiance lies . You certainly get that impression when they stop saying Wallabies and start saying 'WE'. And where did they get that Mr Rugby (Gordon Bray) from? His pathetic and meaningless tidbits on player profiles in the midst of a high energy,beautifully executed piece of play leaves you scratching your head in amazement! Greg Burke, brilliant player back in the day......useless.No help from the rest either,with the only saving grace.........if I had pay TV I'd have to listen ton Phil Kearns &Co,errrr.HMPGQFDHpppppp