Cooper set for Aussie return

Quade Cooper is poised to return to the Australia team for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand in Auckland.

Cooper was left out of the opening Bledisloe Cup fixture against the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium last weekend, which the Wallabies lost 27-19.

But a sizeable injury list, coupled with below-par performances from a number of key players, has prompted coach Robbie Deans to look at bringing back the dynamic Cooper.

“We certainly need to re-adjust our thinking on our selection,” assistant coach Tony McGahan said.

“Quade was very close to selection last week and he’s certainly been discussed so far this week.”

Word from the All Blacks camp is that they’ve been planning for Cooper, with reserve fly-half Aaron Cruden reportedly pretending to be Cooper during training by copying his style of play.

Australia have not won at Eden Park for 26 years – their most recent defeat there was in last year’s Rugby World Cup semi-final.

“We’re certainly aware that sort of record, that sort of history, is in the background,” McGahan said.

“It’s really about having really good clarity on your issues that you need to address this week and focusing on this as a stand-off match, because it is. If we get the result we come back to Brisbane for an opportunity to win the trophy.”

Queensland Reds flanker Liam Gill could make his Test debut for the Wallabies.

The 20-year-old did not feature in last weekend’s loss, but is expected to take Michael Hooper’s place on the bench, while Hooper is likely to take over from the injured David Pocock in the starting line-up.

Gill, who has captained Australia’s under-20 side, is confident he can make the step up.

“With someone’s disappointment comes another person’s opportunity,” Gill said.

“I think that’s where both myself and Michael (Hooper) lie at the moment and I think we’re going to try do the best we can to help Australia go well in this Rugby Championship.”

Gill has played against his opposite number seven Richie McCaw, who he regards as the greatest openside flanker in the game.

“To run alongside and to play alongside Richie, who’s arguably the king of the number seven jersey, is a great honour,” Gill said.