Cooper blames ‘paralysis by analysis’ for Aussie fall

Australian playmaker Quade Cooper has finally found peace after a tumultuous World Cup campaign, which he believes suffered for over-analysis.

Almost four months after struggling to perform under a harsh spotlight when he was maligned as New Zealand’s Public Enemy number one, Cooper said the roller-coaster experience had made him stronger.

The 23-year-old was criticised throughout his debut tournament, which ended horribly when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after a bright opening in the bronze final against Wales.