Wallabies coach Dave Rennie insists there is “no panic” in recalling Quade Cooper from the international wilderness and asking him to front up against the world champion Springboks.
Cooper will start at five-eighth for his 71st Test on Sunday – four years after he last wore Wallabies gold against Italy.
It is unclear whether the 33-year-old is a realistic option for the 2023 Rugby World Cup but with James O’Connor still not quite right, Rennie felt it was time to give struggling youngster Noah Lolesio a spell.
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“There’s certainly no panic,” Rennie told reporters today.
“We’re basing selections on what we see. Some guys are selected on recent Test matches and for Quade, it’s been training.
“He’s trained really well, he was very close to selection last week and got the nod this week. We are trying to grow our game, and we think he’s the right man to help get us around the park.”
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Cooper’s selection completely changes the complexion of the Wallabies 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.
“Quade will play within a structure,” Rennie said.
“And that’s really important for us. He gives us balance. A really smart kicking game and a quality skillset and then, the experience. If we just get into a straight arm wrestle with the Boks, they’re tough to beat.
“They’re a very good defensive side, a solid kicking game and they’re happy to play without the ball. We will get a bit of ball in our hands and how we use that will be important… I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“He’s earned the opportunity and as I said, we’re picking on what we know and what we see. He certainly deserves it.”
Rennie also reflected on his own experiences coaching against Cooper in Super Rugby with the Chiefs.
“We won it in 2012 and 2013 but we lost both years to the Reds and Quade carved us up both times,” Rennie said.
“It was a wee while ago, obviously, but his ability to play on top of defences off quick ball and make smart decisions really stood out. I know he was enemy No.1 for a long time from the All Blacks supporters, but I always had a lot of respect for his skillset.
“I’ve got to know him over the last few weeks, and he’s grown up, he’s matured and is desperate for another opportunity.”