Wallabies veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper will play at next year’s World Cup if he’s good enough.
That’s the simple message from coach Michael Cheika, who has welcomed the prospect of a return to Australian rugby for Ashley-Cooper as he targets a fourth World Cup appearance.
Cheika says there will be no promises for the experienced utility back who turns 35 in March, but is reportedly in talks with the NSW Waratahs and Western Force over a domestic comeback.
Ashley-Cooper’s old club, the Waratahs, are believed to have the inside running given they play Super Rugby and the Force no longer do.
Ashley-Cooper quit NSW at the end of the 2015 season to move to French Top 14 outfit Bordeaux Begels and has been playing for Kobe Steelers in Japan’s Top League since last year.
But he has never officially retired from Test rugby.
Cheika said he had already spoken to Ashley-Cooper about his chances of pulling on the green and gold again.
“I didn’t have to say anything because he took the words out of my mouth,” Cheika said.
“He said, ‘I’m not looking for any favours or entrees or anything, I want to come back through Super Rugby, prove myself that I’m good enough to take the spot.’
“And if he plays good enough in Super Rugby, then he’ll get an opportunity I’d imagine like any other player.
“There’s no accords, no guarantees and he doesn’t want it that way. If he does come back he’ll want to earn it himself.
“That’s the quality of the man, that’s what Ashley-Cooper’s about.
“I haven’t spoken to him a lot since he’s been away, but I think if he makes (that) decision … it’s funny what players can do when they set themselves a serious goal.”
Ashley-Cooper played at the 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups and would add experience and versatility to Australia’s campaign at next year’s showpiece event in Japan.
Former teammate Kurtley Beale suspects he wouldn’t be coming home if he didn’t think he was at least a chance.
“He wants to come back and prove a point and achieve a lot more for himself in the game,” Beale said.
“He’d definitely influence the young guys in the group and how we want to go.
“He’s got to prove himself at the moment to come back (but) it’d be awesome to have a quality player like (him) back.”
Train Without A Terminus
Guest
AAC is no Nonu
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
He’s s couple of months older than Scott Fardy, but it was Fardy’s age that was given as the reason by Cheika as why he wouldn’t be considered for the 2019 RWC, not form.....double standards?
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
Haha ????
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
Haha that would be game over,.Dont even go!
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
Except it’s the right tribe
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
I know right
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
Lol please
ClassAct
Guest
Who cares if he comes back. The guy I want to see crack the squad is the ‘Koke-hoovering’ drug addict ‘Special K’ - who when not ‘rolling on his mates’ to the cops is simply telling lies to the media about his untainted character and superior moral fibre You’d hate to be stuck in the trenches next to such a bloke (*shudder*)
Rugby wizard
Guest
What we definitely will get from AAC at 13 is a rock solid defender and organiser like Daniel Herbert,yes he is 35 but if we have a fast back 3 its makes a good balance,that channel was greatly exposed by the all blacks when we played kuridrani and kerevi at 13, kerevi made 3 huge errors in defence in first bedisloe last year and it cost 3 tries,hodge is not bad though,AAC and hodge and even DHP will do well at 13.
Akari
Roar Rookie
But I'd suggest that Hansen would not even entertain the thought and Nonu would know that he'd (barring injuries) have a tough chance of getting a regular stint at the Blues next year anyway. The Tahs on the other hand are IMO expectant of AAC competing and having regular stint with them next year. Cheika's response to the question should have been an emphatic no. Otherwise, what message is he sending to the Petaias, Foketis and Ronas of Aus rugby?
Paul D
Roar Rookie
But did Hanson get asked? You're comparing apples with oranges if he wasn't. You cannot compare Cheika responding to a question and Hanson's not having the question asked and call their methods diametrically opposed.
woodart
Guest
good post.
Akari
Roar Rookie
I get where you're at, Paul D, and I have no problems with the return of AAC and Nonu to super rugby and assist in the development of younger players. Hansen has not talked about Nonu as a possible ABs candidate whereas Cheika seems to be suggesting that AAC may make the 2019 WBs squad, which I don't agree with. What then was the purpose of culling the Force from super rugby last year if Cheika's focus is about encouraging "grey nomads" to compete for their former WBs positions when it should always be about helping the development of the Petaias and Maddocks of Aus rugby.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
"ABs have been developing and adding new cattle to their likely 2019 RWC squad from before 2016. In contrast, the WBs have gone the other way and are and have been bringing back ‘retirees’ " AAC returning is EXACTLY the same as Nonu returning next year for the Blues. This has nothing to do with Australia bringing grey nomads out of retirement. He's coming back of his own volition.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
"Though at 35 – might be asking a bit to play Super rugby in the Centres/Wing." Like Nonu at the Blues?
piru
Roar Rookie
“And if he plays good enough in Super Rugby, then he’ll get an opportunity I’d imagine like any other player." "Well enough", Michael. If he plays well enough. Sheesh
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
This is the single reason he needs to go.
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Good thinking, even if it was a brain-fart - but factual
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
He is no where near better than what we have now. Youth and growth is needed. Not overseas players who do not deliver. Great advertisement for the youth of Rugby. AAC let him take his walking stick and wheel chair and "player power" involvements and go into retirement.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Always a fan of AAC but seeing Coles drag him off in the way to the line three years ago doesnt fill with confidence. Its more a reflection on the players coming, or not coming through. Sure he’ll entertain the cubs at the camp fire with stories of the old days and what it means to play for oz but as a starter youd have to be concerned.