Ditch Cooper, says Dwyer

Sydney - Former Rugby World Cup-winning Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer has some advice for the team in New Zealand - drop captain James Horwill and playmaker Quade Cooper for the final pool game with Russia.

Dwyer, who coached Australia to victory at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, said Friday's 67-5 win over the United States was impressive after their shock loss to Ireland, but it left selectors with a headache.

"The best starting XV has looked pretty settled for some weeks now, but a decline in the most recent form of some players, and some very positive signs from others returning from injury, have provided plenty of options," he said.

"Some of them look decidedly better options than the status quo of the Tri-Nations line-up."

In his weekly column for the Green and Gold rugby website, Dwyer said the return of Berrick Barnes and James Slipper from injury has opened the door for a range of selection changes.

He believes lock Horwill, who only assumed the captaincy when Rocky Elsom was dumped ahead of the tournament, should be on the bench.

"I have not been impressed with Horwill; he gives much the same as Dan Vickerman, but not as well," he said.

"(Will) Genia as captain ... I actually saw some leadership on Friday night," added Dwyer, referring to Genia's makeshift promotion to skipper against the USA while Horwill was rested.

"Barnes for Cooper. Cooper needs to get his head right - dare I say again. We don’t need the all-or-nothing plays, all of the time. Barnes looks our best kicker, both for goal and out-of-hand."

The Australian party is spending a few days in the solitude of Hanmer Springs, north of Christchurch, to regroup for their final group match in Nelson on Saturday.

Dwyer said it was the time for coach Robbie Deans to think long and hard.

"Too late for changes? It’s never too late for the right changes," he said.

"It will be a brave move, for sure, but I would rather go down fighting than just surrender."