nzmaoriboy says...

Mean I managed to pip Greg Gowden(Australian rugby correspondent) with my Cooper win % statistics!! dues just written a column today...1 day late!

Posted 22:10 23rd August 2012

Trinats2 says...

nzmaoriboy:

You are a rare breed, a kiwi with two eyes !!!

Posted 08:22 23rd August 2012

tha_mai says...

1986 - many of the current players in both teams not even born; but it's just a playing field - a few of the Wallabies will have had wins at Super level at Eden Park over the years, Sitaleki Timani won there playing for Auckland Grammar in schoolboys final before changing countries; time to forget this 'hoodoo' stuff and go out to win.

Posted 03:48 23rd August 2012

nzmaoriboy says...

Love him or hate him!! Cooper brings that element of "SURPRISE" to rugby which you just cant coach for! or even plan to play against. (Risk vs reward) I don't think its a gamble as he was going to play at some stage,Shifting Barnes out to the midfield also gives the Australian team more of a CONTROL, factor you don't have with Fainga. Statistically Cooper has a better success rate vs us kiwi's at present than any other Australian player,however he hasn't played that many matches I wish the man the best of luck (not form he he) for the game.And don't believe what you read people I like most Kiwi's will not be Sledging Quade, I will support the blacks & hope for a entertaining match!!

Posted 00:48 23rd August 2012

georgesmith says...

It will be a positive change. B.Barnes probably needs some resting.He used to be a great player though. I think K.Beale should still be retained. AA. Copper moved to No. 13 and Ben Tapuai No. 12. R. Horne to be replaced for lack of line breaks. D. Mitchell and D. Iowane on the wings. Options are plenty. AA. Cooper can also play fullback but please don't waste him on the wing. He's a good line-breaker.

Posted 23:15 22nd August 2012

rosco1971 says...

AB's by 15

Posted 15:16 22nd August 2012

melkdave says...

I also think @Kiwilad has it spot on RD is panicing,a bit,and who can blame him.When theres calls for his head virtually every game,and campaign.As ive said many a time the australian frontrow problem is longstanding ,at least over a decade now ,and no real international props have been developed by australian teams shocking ,and hardly Deans fault.Also now the midfield looks weakAF isnt an international class centre ,yet still his praised by wallaby fans Horne is ok but hardly insperational or creatative.While the loss of McCabe i feel took away some defencive qualaties .The backrow didnt perform at all ,last weekend ,and KB had a 2nd nighmare game,and is clearly not inform at all.Given all the above its no wonder they lost.Deans has to throw the dice and hope QC can pull a performance out of the bag reallly.Heres my 15 for Eden park

1)B.Alexander

2)TNP

3)B.Robinson

4)N.Sharpe

5)S.Timanu

6D.Dennis

7)M.Hooper-Though if Pocock was fit he would be playing 6

8)Higginbottom

9)W.Genia

10)Q.Cooper

11)D.Ioanie

12B.Barnes

13)Honer

14)D.Mitchel

15)A.A.Cooper

Posted 14:26 22nd August 2012

Trinats2 says...

KiwiLad :

Spot on.

If Cooper was fit he would have started last week. Why put him into a caldron after only 5 first class games this year, to where he has failed only last year. Or was this the ploy all along by Deans ???

Posted 12:04 22nd August 2012