Rugby Championship: Bernard Foley inspired by Quade Cooper’s Wallabies comeback
Bernard Foley during Australia's Captains Run at Oita Stadium, Japan. PA Photo. Picture date: Friday October 4, 2019. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of RWC 2019 T&Cs (in particular Section 5 of RWC 2019 T&Cs) at URL: bit.ly/2knOId6
Wallabies veteran Quade Cooper’s recent recall to the international arena served as a big inspiration for Bernard Foley to follow in his footsteps.
That was the word from Foley, who is on the verge of making his first appearance for the Wallabies since the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Cooper hit the headlines last year when he returned to Test action after a four-year absence. The 34-year-old guided the Wallabies to five successive victories which included consecutive wins against the world champions, South Africa.
But after rupturing his Achilles tendon during Australia’s recent victory over Argentina in Mendoza, Cooper is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Keen to follow in Cooper’s footsteps
Foley said he hopes to make a similar impact as Cooper when he gets some action for the Wallabies again.
“Definitely, I was really impressed how he came back in and just the experience and the composure he was able to add to the side,” he told reporters.
“You saw pretty much all the players around him lift and grow in stature and confidence by having that experience and that voice and calmness next to them, directing the team around.
“His influence and effect on the team has been massive and it’s sad to see his injury… that opportunity falls on me now.”
Foley, who currently plies his trade with Japan Rugby League One outfit Kubota Spears, revealed that he had a conversation with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie about returning to Test rugby last year already, but the timing wasn’t right.
However, he said he is keen to play for his country again and is grateful to have another opportunity at Test level.
He also revealed that playing alongside the likes of Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx in Japan had made him a more worldly player.
“There’s guys there who come with different mentalities around the game so it’s really good to have those discussions,” said Foley.
Although he has been studying the Wallabies’ style of play, he only joined their camp on Sunday and has been out of action since May which means Noah Lolesio is the favourite to start at fly-half when they face the Springboks in Adelaide on Saturday.
Foley believes the Wallabies’ number 10 jersey is in good hands with Lolesio and another youngster Ben Donaldson, who is training with the Test squad.
“I’ve been really impressed coming in meeting Noah, just how composed and confident he is,” Foley said.
“I think he’s a guy who can come in and call the shots and I’m really excited to work with him.
“These guys are immensely talented – they’ve got the composure, mentality and probably the rugby IQ to run teams.
“They just need that experience, that time in the saddle to really master their craft.”
Wants to play at 2023 Rugby World Cup
Foley said his availability for the end-of-year tour to the UK and Europe was still to be determined, but he is keen to play in his third Rugby World Cup next year in France.
“It’s definitely on the radar,” he added. “but I’m here on day one, trying to connect with the guys and understand how we want to play, so there’s a lot of footy and a lot of time between now and then.”
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