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Quade Cooper will make a dramatic return to the rugby test as Wallabies coach Dave Rennie rolls the dice in an attempt to keep the lost Australian rugby championship hopes alive. Rennie will name the 33-year-old Australian number 10 Cooper on Friday to face the Springboks world champions on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
The mercurial playmaker last won the Wallabies gold in 2017. With the Wallabies desperate to win after two straight losses against the All Blacks to start the tournament, and New Zealand and South Africa 2-0, Rennie dumped underachievers Noah Lolesio in favor of Cooper’s experience and flair.
His return marks an incredible comeback after being knocked out by Brad Thorn at the Queensland Reds four years ago and then traveling abroad to ply his trade in Japan after a one-season appearance in Melbourne. Cooper’s inclusion marks a change in selection policy for Rennie, who had firmly put his faith in the youth movement.
But desperate times call for desperate measures. Former Wallabies star Lote Tuqiri will be thrilled with Cooper’s selection after calling Rennie on Thursday to give the 70-Test veteran another chance.
“I’ve always loved Quade Cooper,” Tuqiri said. “He’s been on the team, he’s been in and around this time for quite some time… I’m not saying Noah Lolesio isn’t the option [but] Noah probably needs a little rest right now. He is only a young person. Feeling this constant pressure every week can get a little difficult.
“He’s only young in his career with the Wallabies, so give him a week or two off and let Quade take some of those games. It can help relieve pressure [Lolesio] and then Noah can probably take over for the last two games. This is what I would do.
Rennie will name his full 23-man squad later Friday.
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