Share

Kerevi backs Cooper to bounce back

Sydney - Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has backed flyhalf Quade Cooper to re-discover his best form, despite his shock Wallabies omission.

Kerevi made his return to the Wallabies fold this week after missing the June series with an ankle injury, but it was without his long-time Queensland team-mate, who was a high-profile absentee from Michael Cheika’s Rugby Championship training squad. 

Cooper’s omission was one that surprised players and fans alike, coming after a challenging year at the Reds. 

The 70-Test playmaker has taken the chance to head on an overseas holiday while the Wallabies are in camp and Kerevi said Cooper was staying positive despite being overlooked. 

“I couldn’t sleep one of the nights and I texted him really late just to see, encouraging him and seeing if he’s okay,’ Kerevi told the Australian Rugby Union's official website. 

“He’s having a positive mind-set on it, he’s going to work harder on himself and his game.

“He’s a pretty positive guy, so he gets around the guys and it was sad to see but I know he’ll bounce back from it.” 

Despite Cooper’s indifferent year, Kerevi had no hesitation in predicting the 29-year-old could rediscover the form that has made him such a high-profile name. 

“100 per cent, I have no doubt he’ll get back to that form and once he’s enjoying his footy again, he’ll come back better and stronger, definitely no doubting that.” 

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika on Monday ruled out any immediate recall for Cooper, who was omitted from his initial 38-man training squad, despite an injury to Karmichael Hunt. 

“We’re comfortable where we are now,” he said. 

“It doesn’t change our dynamic at five-eighth. We’re comfortable with what we’ve got and I wouldn’t be bringing anyone in for Karmichael." 

Cheika said he planned to meet Cooper at some point in the coming months, with the fly-half likely to feature for Brisbane City in Australia's National Rugby Championship. 

“I think he’s having some holidays and then his pathway will be through NRC,” he added. 

“I imagine I will have spoken to him face to face and had a chance to go through some of those things.”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE