Quade Cooper breaks silence on 'full house booing' after 'likely' final Test in NZ
With just over eight minutes to play at Forsyth Barr Stadium last weekend, Test veteran Quade Cooper placed his yellow kicking tee on the turf ahead of a crucial penalty attempt at goal.
The Wallabies, much to the surprise of practically everyone in attendance, only trailed the heavily favoured All Blacks by three points with the full-time siren rapidly approaching.
Cooper, who was born in New Zealand, had a chance to tie the game at 20 points all. This was his moment to silence any and all naysayers from practically halfway.
The Dunedin crowd burst out into a chorus of boos as Cooper stood over the ball and began to visualise the upcoming shot at goal. This wasn’t the first time that he had been booed, either.
Cooper became public enemy No. 1 in New Zealand after a series of run-ins with former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in 2011. But, after more than a decade, some Kiwis refuse to move on.
But while the booing was disrespectful – it was practically deafening – it also set the tone for what would certainly be a pivotal moment in a thrilling Test.
The Wallabies needed these three points, and so did Cooper.
Cooper approached the ball and struck it well enough, with the attempt sailing just above the crossbar. The Wallabies fans in attendance went berserk.
At that moment, Cooper was the hero. The flyhalf was the Wallaby that New Zealanders loved to hate, but Cooper had thrived under the pressure.
While the All Blacks went on to win the Test 23-20, Cooper’s nerves of steel was a talking point – although, it was overshadowed by the booing.
Having played what will “most likely” be his final Test match against the All Blacks in New Zealand, Cooper had silenced some doubters.
Ahead of the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squad announcement on Thursday, Cooper has issued a message of “thanks” to rugby fans across the ditch.
“That was most likely the last game I’ve played against the ABs in NZ,” Cooper wrote on social media.
“These are the moments I’ll miss the most: taking a host to tie the game with a full house booing, running out with your teammates against the best, knowing the challenge that awaits is just moments away.
“It just doesn’t get much better than competing at the highest level. The preparation, the physical toll, and the emotional journey can be brutal, but we continue to get up and want more.
“I stayed out on the field for about 20 minutes post-game, just thinking about my journey and how lucky I was to be one of the few standing out there, while looking into the stands where thousands had gathered.
“Understanding that I too stood there or watched on TV with a dream of being on the other side of the fence one day.
“So, to the kids with dreams, continue to chase them even when they seem out of reach. And to the fans, whether yelling, cheering, or booing, whatever it is, thanks for always creating that atmosphere.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Fiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith Springboks living rent free in his head 😊😂
67 Go to comments