Cooper caps incredible comeback, kicking Wallabies to dramatic win
Quade Cooper has capped an incredible Wallabies return, kicking a match-winning penalty after the siren to beat the Springboks 28-26 in his first Test for more than four years. A shock call-up to face the world champions, Cooper kicked a perfect seven-from-seven penalties and a conversion as the hosts won a scrum penalty in the final 20 seconds.
That set up a potential match-winner from 40 metres out and twelve metres from touch that the maligned playmaker, now playing second-tier rugby in Japan, calmly slotted. Cooper, 33, said that after previously kicking one from a similar spot he knew he had the distance.
“I looked at it and had a little chat to myself and said ‘is this your ego saying you want to take the kick or is it what’s in the benefit of the team’,” Cooper told Stan Sport. “I had a little chat to Hodgey (Reece Hodge) as well and he backed me, so you know your peers are backing you, you got to back yourself as well.”
Cooper was understated in his Wallabies comeback in the Rugby Championship clash on the Gold Coast, reeling in his long passing game but still providing good service to his outside men in a poised display the side needed after three straight losses to New Zealand.
Cooper’s pass to Samu Kerevi put him into space in the first half, the centre’s step inside and long pass finding Andrew Kellaway for the game’s first try. A scrum penalty offered Cooper another three points that built a 19-11 halftime lead – their first in seven Tests this year.
IT HAD TO BE HIM ? Quade Cooper knocks over the match winning penalty.
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The Springboks turned pressure into points, Bongi Mbonambi’s first-half try and Malcolm Marx’s second-half double all coming from rolling mauls. Marx’s second put them in front for the first time in 71 minutes, but another missed kick – their side’s fourth of the night- meant it was just a solitary point in the contest. The Wallabies looked for a reply in the final three minutes but appeared to miss their chance when Reece Hodge knocked on after Michael Hooper’s line break. Hodge then put up a bomb to give away possession in the final minute, but they rescued it with another strong scrum to set up the fairytale finish.
There were four yellow cards, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a both sent for dangerous tackles while Willie Le Roux was deemed to knock a pass down deliberately and Matt Philip binned for pulling down another South African maul.
Cooper said he felt “at peace” with the game after a tumultuous career that saw him exiled from the Reds and also unwanted by former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans. “This is a game of rugby. When we put that in perspective and understand that we’re going to walk off this field win, lose or draw… it’s not going to be the end of the world,” he said.
“There’s so much more to life than just the result of a football game and when you can understand that, that’s when you when you feel at peace with the game, and with everything else around us.”
Andrew Kellaway CUTS THROUGH ?
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Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments