Quade Cooper enjoying rivalry with New Zealand ahead of Rugby World Cup 2011
Wallabies’ key man, Quade Cooper, is adding injury to the insult to New Zealand with his offensive remarks ahead of Rugby World Cup 2011. Cooper is in New Zealand along with his team after escaping a possible SANZAR ban for kneeing Richie McCaw in his head
during the Tri-Nations decider played on August 27 in Brisbane. Quade Cooper told the media on September 7 that he is well aware of the fact that he will be the Number 1 enemy for New Zealand during the global showpiece.
Cooper is at loggerheads with All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw for the last two years when he gave a nasty blow to the flanker in Hong Kong, during Bledisole Cup 2010. Furthermore, he was refered to the Tri-Nations governing body by the All Blacks coach,
Graham Henry, to take the notice of his illegitimate act but was cleared from the charges straightaway.
Cooper was introduced just three years ago to International rugby but remained highly successful in making a big impact on the Wallabies side. He has played only 14 games for his national side and is considered key member of the team.
He played a vital role in victories for the Wallabies and Queensland Reds respectively in the Tri-Nations and Super Rugby championships. He was also the leading point scorer for the Reds during the Super Rugby championship 2011 with 228 under his belt.
Talking to the reporters about the possible reaction of All Blacks supporters during RWC, Cooper said that, “It doesn't bother me at all, I don't mind being public enemy number one. I actually enjoy it. It's going to come with the territory. Like most New
Zealanders hate the Wallabies but there is a lot out there that respect the way we play as well.”
He further said that, “I actually enjoy it. It's going to come with the territory. Like most New Zealanders hate the Wallabies but there is a lot out there that respect the way we play as well. We are here to win a competition we are not here to make friends
or make enemies.”
Australia will take on Italy in its first match of Rugby World Cup 2011 on September 11, in North Shore City.
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