Runaway at the mouth Quade Cooper has no respect for “keyboard warriors” who criticise the Wallabies.
“I have a lot of respect for people who stick with you throughout the ride, the ups and downs, no matter what the result,” was how Cooper described it.
No matter the result Quade?
Since the Rugby World Cup final the Wallabies have played 17 internationals for just seven wins – an unacceptable 41.17 per cent success rate.
The factual message to Cooper is that’s far more downs than ups, which has other repercussions.
The Wallabies were ranked second in the world after the Cup final. But if they’re not careful, they could be as low as sixth unless there’s a radical improvement.
Already Buildcorp has pulled out of their million dollar naming rights sponsorship of the National Rugby Championship, and other sponsors are getting edgy.
Crowds are down, a surefire barometer of rugby’s popularity, and normally devoted rugby fans aren’t talking about the Wallabies, it’s too embarrassing.
The only way rugby will get through this lack of interest is for the Wallabies to start winning meaningful games, certainly not being beaten by Scotland.
(AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Yesterday Wallaby coach Michael Cheika took the first steps towards redemption by sacking six from the starting lineup to meet Italy at Suncorp tomorrow afternoon.
Nothing less than a cricket score will suffice against the Azzurri, the most ill-disciplined nation in world rugby.
They haven’t beaten the Wallabies in 16 attempts, and all hell will break loose if tomorrow is the first.
But to avoid that nightmare, back on duty will be captain Stephen Moore, prop Scott Sio, lock Rory Arnold, No.8 Lopeti Timani, winger Sefa Naivalu, and outside centre Rob Horne.
That’s a far better tight five against the Italians who are renowned scrummagers.
The Wallaby bench will be named later today, with Quade Cooper assured of a spot.
And when you play tomorrow Quade, just remember the Wallabies aren’t a protected species, and never will be.
The acceptable currency is a W, and the more of them will produce less criticism.
The formula is as simple as that.
The Wallaby starting lineup, the bench to follow:
1 – Scott Sio (31 caps).
2 – Stephen Moore (c – 119).
3 – Allan Alaalatoa (11).
4 – Rory Arnold (11).
5 – Adam Coleman (11).
6 – Ned Hanigan (2).
7 – Michael Hooper (67).
8 – Lopeti Timani (6).
9 – Will Gena (77).
10 – Bernard Foley (44).
11 – Sefa Naivalu (6).
12 – Karmichael Hunt (2).
13 – Rob Horne (33).
14 – Dane Haylett-Petty (16).
15 – Israel Folau (54).
Bib
Guest
Matt Rowley is an absolute deadbeat. That website of his is nothing but a fanboi echo chamber. They don't allow people who have different opinions.
Cynical Play
Guest
Dumb point
Cynical Play
Guest
True fans DO ride with their team. QC is right. But according to Lord QC has no right to take umbrage to a fan's drunken rant. I certainly did. Well spoken QC and the true believers are still with you.
paleocortex
Guest
Hi Sheek. I have been reading your arrogant comments on this site for many years now. I can no longer keep silent. Normally I try to keep my own contributions relatively rare and light hearted, but I can stand it no more, so I ask you to... 1) Please try to exhibit a modicum of humility; 2) Please try to state your opinions as just that, 'opinions', rather than fact; 3) Please ask your esteemed friend David Lord to retire. Sadly the majority of his pieces over the last couple of years have been appalling and do a great disservice his legacy as a once excellent sports journalist. We all need to accept when the time has come to step aside. I know I have reached my use by date and sadly so has Lordy. As a recent Nobel laureate (wtf???) once wrote...Your old road is rapidly agin'. Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand, for the times they are a-changin.
Davo
Guest
Instead of criticising one of Australia's best playmakers (who actually creates a spark when he runs on), Why not discuss someone who is actually doing a shit job and getting payed too much to do it, say, bill pulver.
Bib
Guest
Really? Seriously?
Train Without A Station
Guest
Indeed. In SA in 2013. Matt Rowley from GAGR a constant critic, rated him a completely unbiased 2/10 in that game. I don't think Matt did too many GAGR test ratings again after that...
Steve Wright
Guest
The rather unfortunate truth of the matter is Quade's diminished standing in certain parts of the rugby world. He may be a nice fella - I daresay he is, and he certainly has copped a great deal of shite, probably quite unfairly. However, his standing is, as I say diminished - some time ago, he acquired the reputation on the eastern side of the Tasman of being referred to as a rabbit - dreadfull thing in rugby, but not without some justification. With this sort of handle attached to player now on both sides of the Tasman, respect and reputation bleed away and your pronouncements tend to be seen in that light. Your supporters dwindle and with your diminished status and short infrequent appearances at major games you are left even more vulnerable.People rubbishing you and your performance multiply. Thus we now have a cat fight on the Roar over Quade.Bet you he never envisaged this in his twilight rugby career.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Your comments always make great reading Sheek but defending DL because of his remarkable history doesn't cut it. He has made a habit of picking his targets and writing garbage to suit his narrative for a while now and TWAS is right to call him on it. DL gets paid to write articles and he should be judged on their accuracy and reasonableness
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
There was a "player's player" against the Bokkies about that time too
Regan
Guest
Cheikas ego screws the wallabies... the shit he talks before and after games keeps the pressure on. Either cheiks get ya head out ya ass or get sacked. We need a coach,culture and team with , mental fortitude, perseverance, and calm heads and energy buzzing that makes them feel good. Its not even rugby thats the problem for the wallabies its individual self maturity and growth
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
David, The players receive a fair bit of hate from people, myself included, and I am trying to change that. I must be mellowing, I think that every player wearing the gold jersey plays their best in every game. If their best isn't good enough, it is the selector/coaches/administrators fault. They (he) either hasn't selected the most suitable player(s) or the plan isn't fit for purpose or coached properly, or the talent pool is too shallow or all of the above. I think we as "keyboard warriors" should recognize this and direct our anger in an appropriate direction. An example is Bernard Foley. His performances don't compare to those of the NZ and NH teams, but in my opinion he is the best, most balanced player we have right now. You can argue a case for QC if you want but that is still only 2 viable options, neither of which are to an international standard for both attack, defense and goal kicking.
chasmac
Guest
Is that you Quade ?
Daveski
Guest
A fair bit of this thread is exactly what Quade was talking about and he was somewhat justifiable in doing so. Although his timing wasn't great and his comments are such they can be quite easily bent to fit a particular narrative, My main issue is the usual Lordy " nothing short of a cricket score" disrespect towards the opposition. We want to win, we expect a win and definitely an improvement on last week, and yeah maybe everything will click and we'll win by 40-50. But better Wallabies sides than this one have found Italy a tougher than expected opponent.
piru
Roar Rookie
Surely it would have been thrown out before it reached court in that case?
Alex
Guest
you're a gronk david
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Incorrect. Man of the Match vs Wales in 2013 was probably a good game.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
2008 buddy
Jock Cornet
Guest
I agree the money the ARU wasted on qc and the rest if the amigos has been an absolute disgrace. It could have set up a whole national comps on their ridiculous contracts. Qc has had not a good game since 2011
Link
Guest
2007 on debut.