Quade Cooper says there’s an exciting new vibe in the Wallabies camp after being recalled to the national ranks for the first time since infamously branding the squad’s culture under former coach Robbie Deans as “toxic”.
Cooper is favoured to win back his No.10 Test jumper against the All Blacks in Saturday week’s Rugby Championship opener after being recalled to an expanded Wallabies squad by new coach Ewen McKenzie, his long-time Queensland Reds mentor.
The 25-year-old hasn’t worn the gold jersey since last September and admitted he was desperate to end his 11-month Test exile after falling out of favour with Deans.
“When you have time away from the game, whether it be for your club side or your national team, whenever you’re selected for that team again the hunger is always there,” he said on Wednesday.
Relaxed and upbeat, Cooper said the change of regime was refreshing after playing all 38 of his Tests since his 2008 debut under Deans.
“It’s always going to be a different vibe when you get a new group of different people together – coaches, players, everybody from the ground up,” he said.
“There’s a lot of great opportunities and a few big games ahead.”
McKenzie issued Cooper a licence to thrill during their four Super Rugby seasons together at the Reds and the flashy playmaker said he was equally chuffed about the coach’s appointment of his Queensland assistant Jim McKay as the Wallabies’ new backline coach.
“The backs will really relish the opportunity to play under him,” Cooper said.
“He’s got a great attacking mindset. He loves the game. He’s very passionate about attacking, going out there and expressing yourself.
“I’m sure everybody will really flourish off his guidance.”
Despite his excitement, Cooper is refusing to take for granted his expected reinstatement to Test five-eighth after McKenzie selected incumbent playmaker James O’Connor as a fullback or winger.
Cooper is in a three-way tussle for the No.10 jumper with uncapped pair Matt Toomua and Bernard Foley, one of whom is likely to be cut on Friday when McKenzie trims his squad from 40 to 30 players for the All Blacks showdown.
“Every position is hotly contested and No.10 is no different,” Cooper said.
“I see it as an opportunity to learn off each player. There’s two other guys who are great players and who have done a great job for their teams throughout the year.
“Matty and his (Brumbies) team were in the (Super Rugby) finals and we had to sit on the sidelines and watch.
“Bernard did a great job for the Waratahs, taking them as far as they did. From where they were last year and where they are now, it’s a great transformation.
“So I’ve just got to come here with an open mind. Obviously you can’t look at yourself as being the best at everything.”