Calls for Cooper's return to the Wallabies intensify and for good reason

The Rebels recorded their second win from their first two games of the season on Friday, helped by some moments of magic from Quade Cooper.

He continued his impressive return to Super Rugby after a year in exile last season, as they withheld an unbeaten Highlanders side, who came agonisingly close to snatching the victory at the end.

It was the Rebels’ first win against a New Zealand side since 2015, and although the Highlanders were missing a number of All Blacks, Cooper’s side were still impressive nonetheless.

The mercurial playmaker’s deft hands put Jack Maddocks in for a try in the first half, and he orchestrated Billy Meakes’ try early in the second half with a grubber kick. In only two games this season, he has shown that he has not lost his creative influence, and his control over the game looks better than ever. Of course, Cooper still has weaknesses, particularly his defence, but he hasn’t seemed to have lost anything in attack.

In light of his performance, many fans took to Twitter to praise his display:

Quade Cooper is slowly redeeming himself ……#REBvHIG

— Lou ? (@loumnandi) March 1, 2019

Magic pass from Quade. #REBvHIG

— GI Joe (@GI_Joe04) March 1, 2019

Oh Quade! What a joy to watch ?

— Rory Higgins (@Team_Higgins) March 1, 2019

Quade Cooper is different class!

— Seb Arnold (@09seb09_) March 1, 2019

Quade is having a lovely game

— •?• (@_Its_Alex___) March 1, 2019

https://twitter.com/infjwise/status/1101418895456395264

Some fans may say that it is premature, but there is a growing number of fans on Twitter in favour of Cooper earning a recall to the Wallabies squad ahead of the World Cup.

Michael Cheika has not ruled out selecting him, and although there is competition for the jersey from Bernard Foley, Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua, Cooper is winning over more and more fans.

While Foley is the incumbent 10 for the Wallabies, some fans are arguing that he cannot do what Cooper can on the field at times. Then again, Cooper has never been as dependable as Foley, and the debate of their clash of styles looks like it will re-emerge this season.

This is what the fans have been saying:

Aussie World Cup halfback pairing. Will Genia and Quade Cooper… Hands down. Go you beautiful @MelbourneRebels #REBvHIG

— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) March 1, 2019

Nah stuff it. Give Quade the Wallabies 10 jersey already #REBvHIG

— Kate (@kate_880) March 1, 2019

Quade coppers has to start 10 for Australia at the work cup, class

— Randall (@RandallConnor) March 1, 2019

https://twitter.com/MTshwete/status/1101418618456281088

Sorry to say but you won’t ever see foley throw a pass like the one Quade just let go. #REBvHIG

— Jimmy (@JimmyHapstar) March 1, 2019

This campaign for Cooper’s return to the Wallabies will only increase if he, and the Rebels, perform like they have been doing in their first two rounds of the season.