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What’s the old saying? A picture is worth a thousand words.
If that’s the case, day one of Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies training camp was fascinating.
With the kangaroos bouncing around the fields at Sanctuary Cove, Jones sat in circle with six experienced players.
Four of the faces were expected – Michael Hooper, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa and Nic White – but the other two revealed the growing influence of Andrew Kellaway and Jed Holloway.
Coach Eddie Jones talks with six experienced players during day one of his first Wallabies training camp at Sanctuary Cove on April 17, 2023. Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Both are emerging leaders, having ridden the highs and lows of life and sport. They’ve been chewed up and spat out by an unforgiving Australian sports market.
Importantly, however, both returned to Australian rugby better players. Their scars and life experience are like gold for a squad that is looking to discover its edge.
There sat Jones’ likely Wallabies leadership group. Six of them.
Two months earlier Jones spoke about the possibility of needing seven skippers.
“I reckon we’ll need probably seven captains with HIA, so you can all write down your seven choices on a slip and you can send them through to me,” Jones joked with reporters.
“But in all seriousness, the way the game is at the moment, I think we’re going to need a number of captains.
“I’m just working out what will best suit the team, firstly for the Rugby Championship and then obviously as an entree into the World Cup.
“We’ll just work out who has the title of captain, and how many captains we have.”
Could there be one more name to add to Jones’ group of six?
Quade Cooper during a Wallabies training session at Royal Pines Resort on July 27, 2022. Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Quade Cooper has had more pages devoted to him than any other Australian player over the past 15 years, but the 35-year-old could in fact hold the Wallabies’ World Cup destiny in his hands.
At the very least, it is likely Cooper, who has often run the show, held the playbook and taken control himself even when not asked, will be a part of Jones’ leadership team.
Twelve years ago Cooper had been trusted by then Wallabies coach Robbie Deans throughout the infancy of his international career.
At the last moment, on the world’s biggest stage, something changed. Cooper felt constrained and he played like a man with a million thoughts in his heads.
But could Jones give the keys to Cooper in yet another remarkable turn of events and go all-in on the old pro?
Just like Ireland’s Johnny Sexton, what Cooper has lost in spark he has added in wisdom on the field. He’s discovered less is more in time.
When Sexton plays, Ireland win.
Ditto, the Wallabies with Cooper in the No.10 jersey.
The Wallabies haven’t lost with Quade Cooper in the No.10 jersey since returning to international rugby in 2021. Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images
In the six Tests Cooper has played since ending his four-year international exile in 2021, the Wallabies have won every match.
If Cooper is fit, it seems apparent he starts. And not just for 50 minutes, but likely 80.
How many others fall into that category?
Props Slipper and Alaalatoa don’t. The No.7 position is too arduous in the modern game, particularly by an aging Hooper, while Holloway is no certainty to start.
While Antoine Dupont is the only halfback who can get through 80 minutes.
Kellaway is perhaps the only other player who fits the bill but might find himself too far from the action and has held few titles in the past despite his obvious leadership characteristics.
Allan Alaalatoa (2nd left), James Slipper (2nd right) of the Wallabies and Michael Hooper (r) are set to be in Eddie Jones’ leadership group. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
In Cooper, the Wallabies have someone who is possibly more respected more than ever before. After all, his rise has been spectacular after his spectacular fall.
Having turned his life around, it feels like the Zen Cooper, should he get his body right and be fit to take on the world, is destined to have one last chapter written in his extraordinary story.
For Cooper, results and actions don’t define him.
After his spectacular return against the Springboks on the Gold Coast, he said his matchwinning kick would not have defined him. It’s a mindset change that he has carried ever since moving to Japan.
On Thursday, he once again spoke of that approach to life.
“Coming back from injury is never easy, but it’s an opportunity to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally,” he posted on social media ahead of his return on Saturday for Kintetsu – which is expected to be very brief.
“From the day I got injured I knew I was ready for the challenges this journey would provide. For me it’s never about reaching the finish line or ticking off boxes, it’s about embracing the process and the challenges that come with it.
“The work doesn’t stop just because I’m nearing the end of the injury process. In fact, that’s when the real work begins. The goal is always progress not perfection.”
It seems in line with what Jones wants, knowing this World Cup campaign is like none other he has led before.
“The first thing they’ve got to be able to do is lead themselves,” Jones said earlier in the year.
“I think whenever you get into a difficult situation, the playing group looks at the head coach and the playing group looks at the captain.
“If you’ve had a bad result, they look to see whether that person walks in with a confidence in their step and a glint in their eyes and they know what’s coming next.
“They’ve got to be able to influence other players to bring the best out of themselves and they’ve got to be able to be a great role model themself.”
For a side desperate to discover winning quickly to complete Jones’ “smash and grab” job, Cooper could well be the missing figure in the new Wallaby coach’s leadership team.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.