carpelone says...

@ dylster

Very funny,

Cooper however reminds me more Carlos Spencer, who was an exciting player, but who lost the 2003 RWC to NZ for his forced pass wide outside for Mortlock's intecrpt try.

Posted 09:27 28th May 2011

squilla says...

@borig..agree with most of what your saying...X-Factor ,Cooper has this in bucket loads, he puts bums on seats in Brisbane, one has to only look at his highlight reel to see some of his skilful plays. And yep in test and Northern hemisphere rugby the no 10s are influential in games but just not as much in Super rugby, as good and awesome as he is Carter hasnt been that influential to date this yr as he normally is.

BUt nobody could argue with the fact that Cooper has got skill, has done nothing consistent at test level over any period of time and there are times when it looks like test rugby doesnt suit him perhaps b/c he is so unstructured and thinks on his feet.So he is trying to develop a balance i guess.But look Carter is still the best, no argument there. Somehow I think lInks words were sensationalized and minced up a wee bit.Oh and finally, mackenzie has coached some players, 2003 Wallabies Assistant, Brumbies Assistant,NSW /QLD head coach and Stade Francais . There has been some great players in those squads, world cup winners, super rugby winners, Six nations winners, Euro cup winners , he has coached some players!!

Posted 23:44 27th May 2011

squilla says...

PLease please before all these kiwis get their knickers in a knot..lets just take a look at what the article/Link Mackenzie said:

1.He (Cooper)is giving Carter a run for his money for the title of the worlds best flyhalf.

2.The two tens will play a critical role in sundays game.

3.Im my mind hes been a brilliant number 10.

4. He has got that X-factor and is now developing balance

5.I've coached plenty of players over the years and he's got one of the best packages I've been involved with in terms of communication, skill, understanding, game awareness and puts in the background work as well."

These were the 5 major points!

Yes we all know he has issues with his defence.But if you have a look at the stats, Try assists, line breaks , offloads, kicking metres etc QC is up the top of the list. As for X-factor only SBW sits with him in super rugby. Although Carter is the best 10 in the world by a bit and has been for a while one can never equate the best flyhalf in the world to test points scoredm leading points scoreer etc..history tells us that at various times the no1 10 has not even been a goalkicker ie. Larkham.I htink reading btwn thelines Link is saying that COOPERS stake is rising and he will challenge carter in this game.

Posted 14:55 27th May 2011

rakavi187 says...

in a few years maybe...but not now.

Posted 13:31 27th May 2011

KiwiLad says...

Massive statement,One of them Attacks the line well, is fantastic at reading the game, is a role model to kids all over the world, is brave to the point of stupidity in the tackle,Is honest and a credit to his parents and the other is Quade Cooper

Posted 12:48 27th May 2011