Cooper relishing lead Welsh role

GARETH COOPER has been cast in a support role throughout much of his Test career — but he could end 2008 as Wales’ headline act today (2.30pm).

The reigning RBS Six Nations champions have moved heaven and earth just to get Cooper on the Millennium Stadium pitch against Australia. And the 29-year-old knows he can cash in by confirming his current status as Wales’ premier scrum-half — less than five months before the Lions squad for South Africa is announced.

Cooper had expected to be on Guinness Premiership duty for Gloucester in today’s Kingsholm appointment with Northampton.