Sonny Bill Williams has got his wish with Quade Cooper picked to make a sensational comeback for the Wallabies on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
Two-time Rugby World Cup champion Williams said he was “baffled” by Cooper’s omission for Australia’s 38-21 loss to the All Blacks in Perth last weekend.
Young Noah Lolesio again struggled to assert himself at five-eighth and Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has made the huge call to select Cooper for the Rugby Championship clash with the world champion Springboks.
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Cooper, 33, hasn’t played a Test since 2017 but bolted back into the frame when Rennie added him to the squad as injury cover for James O’Connor.
“We’re thrilled for Quade that he’s earned another opportunity to pull on the gold jersey for his country,” Rennie said.
“He’s had a really positive impact since joining the group, put pressure on us as selectors and he’s excited to get out there and perform on Sunday night.”
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Cooper’s selection completely changes the complexion of the backline with his experience and vast array of tricks.
The mercurial five-eighth now plays club rugby in Japan but will find space and opportunities much harder to come by against the notoriously stingy South Africa defence.
Cooper told reporters last week that he wasn’t fazed by being overlooked for selection.
“It hasn’t been a focus of mine at all.” Cooper said.
“I didn’t come into the squad thinking ‘I have to play a Test.’
“If I can grow as a rugby player, take that back to Japan, that’s a great reward for myself.
“Anything else outside of that is a bonus.”
Williams observed that the Wallabies had looked scared to “pull the trigger” and express themselves.
“The non-selection that baffled me before the game was the non-selection of Quade Cooper,” Williams said on Stan Sport’s post-game coverage last weekend.
“I know that it might be biased coming from my lips, because I’m close to him but just from a rugby point of view, what he can add…
“Brother Reece (Hodge), he’s Mr Fix-It, he’s a great player but I think in terms of unlocking this great All Blacks defence, Quade is your man.”
In other interesting selections, loosehead prop Angus Bell will make his first Test start after getting the nod ahead of veteran James Slipper.
Lock Izack Rodda has also been promoted to the starting lineup after making his return from the bench last weekend while hooker Feleti Kaitu’u and versatile forward Rob Leota are in line for Test debuts after being listed among the reserves.
“The match is also a huge occasion for our leader Michael Hooper,” Rennie said.
“He’s been in phenomenal form and to equal George Gregan’s record for the most Tests as captain of Australia (59) is a testament to his leadership and resilience.
“We also can’t overlook Allan (Alaalatoa) and Reece who will bring up 50 Tests for their country, another outstanding achievement for two ultimate professionals who leave it all on the field every time they wear the jersey.”
WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Banks, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (c), Lachlan Swinton, Matt Philip, Izack Rodda, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a, Angus Bell
Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia