Cooper’s long road to redemption
16 Oct 2011
Graham Henry suggests that it will be some time yet before the New Zealand public forgive Tokoroa-born Quade Cooper for his riling antics.
Born in the small Waikato town, Cooper moved to Brisbane at the age of 14 and progressed through the Queensland ranks. He later represented the Reds and Wallabies, and incited the ire of the Kiwis when he first pushed Richie McCaw in the 2010 Test in Hong Kong and then kneed the All Blacks captain in the head in a 2011 Test played in Brisbane.
New Zealanders have taken exception to his arrogance in the build up to this tournament, with many of the local papers running stories about how Cooper is New Zealand’s ‘Public Enemy No 1′. At Sunday’s World Cup semi-final at Eden Park, the crowd booed the Wallabies No 10 whenever he touched the ball.
Cooper had a poor game, but stayed away from the off-the-ball scuffles. Asked if New Zealand would continue to boo Cooper in future games, Henry intimated that it would be awhile before the public would forgive him for his past transgressions.
‘Quade lost a bit of respect for his actions in previous Test matches and he has to earn the right to get that respect back from New Zealand public,’ said Henry.
‘He kept his nose clean tonight which was good to see, and gained some respect, but it will be a while [before it is fully earned by the New Zealand people].
Cooper and the Wallabies will remain in New Zealand for another week as they prepare for next Friday’s third-place play-off against Wales. The match will also be staged at Eden Park. The gifted but erratic flyhalf said he had no regrets after the Wallabies’ semi-final loss.
‘I hold my head high and know that I’ve given it my all,’ Cooper told reporters. ‘Everybody will have their opinions and I’m not going to try and change any perceptions. I am who I am, and I play the way I play, and if you like it or not, that’s me.’
He added that he won’t be losing any sleep over his perceived status as New Zealand’s most hated man. In fact, he believes he will benefit from this experience.
‘Everyone getting at me personally, I’m definitely going to be better for it,’ he said. ‘The way everyone came at me from all angles, whether it be media, the crowd, trying to make a big buzz out of it. I got used to it and I think I’ll take a lot of confidence from that.
‘So when we play them again, whether it be in a Bledisloe or Super Rugby over here or another World Cup if I’m lucky enough to get that chance, I’m sure I’ll be better for it.’
By Jon Cardinelli, at Eden Park
49 Comments
16 Oct 2011, 13:48 pm
And I present exhibit A:
‘How the media can manipulate any situation and sheep just follow’
If a knee to the head is what the world takes exception to then 90% of rugby players should be hated.
16 Oct 2011, 14:03 pm
This year being what it is (world cup year), Richie McCaw’s only job, his only goal in life – his only reason for living – is to lift that trophy. Quade Cooper being a thug and attacking our captain only a few months out from the tournament and then subsequently egging on the All Blacks was really poor sportsmanship. I don’t want to sound callous and vindictive, but the traitor got what he deserved. Of course the crowd was going to be against him, that’s a given.
I thought Sonny Bill William’s shoulder charge was unnecessary, but on the other hand a perfect example of adding injury to insult. In principle I like to think that we New Zealanders are above that sort of thing, but I can’t really fault SBW on his actions.
Quade Cooper, grow up.
16 Oct 2011, 14:13 pm
@Todd W(Todd W)-2:
I can – it is not the first time SBW has been shown to use no arms in a tackle.
16 Oct 2011, 14:25 pm
Sonny just thought he was slipping a left hook …best time to get yellowed.
16 Oct 2011, 14:33 pm
@Todd W(Todd W)-2: Toddy, Toddy, Toddy you must be smoking some GOOD stuff if you think “…In principle I like to think that we New Zealanders are above that sort of thing…”!
Your nation’s national rugby team are the dirtiest, most cynical team who bend and break as many rules as possible to win at all costs, with no regard for honour or sportsmanship. This goes back through the AB who destroyed the Aussie scrumhalf Catchpole’s career by blatantly ripping his leg in a ruck and continues with McCaw’s constant cheating.
I love the fact that someone like Quade finally stands up to McCaw. If you watch the clip where QC cleans McCaw out in 3Ns – McCaw is offside and trying to play the ball (SURPRISE) and then he tries to kick QC when McCaw is on the floor!
Why does ANY pro rugby player have to work to get the respect of the NZ public back??? Who does NZ think they are??? What a joke
16 Oct 2011, 14:38 pm
Oh please! Seems like they expect Cooper to bow down before he gets any sort of respect.
He gives as good as he gets. Cooper has hardly been an instigator.
This whole ‘hating on Quade Cooper’ campaign has been driven by the media. Had nothing to do with him being unnecessarily thuggish.
Had a shocker tonight though. Did a few good things, but it’s his fault Australia can’t get out of their damn half.
16 Oct 2011, 14:54 pm
people boo a visiting player at the stadium & then they want to justify it to themselves by saying he must “earn their respect back” pfffft how self-righteous can u get.
16 Oct 2011, 15:18 pm
@Todd W(Todd W)-2: If you don’t want to sound callous and vindictive, you have failed miserably.
You should probably also work on your arogance & aloofness (in rugby context).
Richie is not above anyone else, he must roll with the punches as everyone has to. QC has every right to rough up the fetcher who has played on the edge for so long.
QC did not rise to the challenge today, but has before & will again. It is the joy of having a nemisis. We look forward to the battles over the next few years.
16 Oct 2011, 15:41 pm
The Aussie players earn our mutual disrespect. When the beat the AB’s in the 3nations they were more unbearable than the English when they win.
16 Oct 2011, 16:04 pm
Biggest hypocrites in the World…
I was extremely impressed by Quade’s control in the game.
Brad Thorn is a thug who I think is an awesome player but a thug none the less.
16 Oct 2011, 17:46 pm
Cooper had another shocker today, both on defense and with that wonky boot.
He’s a wizard with ball in hand, but Morne was the best 10 for RWC rugby. Wilko’s kicking up the pole and Carter out injured. Oz did NZ a real favour by taking the Bokke out.
16 Oct 2011, 17:47 pm
Thorn was oustanding, must be about 37 now, but still a damn good 4 and well worth another year at least.
16 Oct 2011, 20:58 pm
Watching Cooper completely let his side down was the highlight of my world cup. And being smashed by Kahui.
16 Oct 2011, 21:57 pm
Cruden/Weepu Parra/Yachvili are the best 9/10 combinations in the world. Ironic really that 2 novice combinations showed up their much more highly regarded and esteemed counterparts from SA and Ausfailure.
16 Oct 2011, 22:12 pm
haha cruden is a newbie, he’s lucky he aint gonna be tested in this one, he was already all over the show today, weepu looks like he’s been eating kfc in prep for this RWC, what the hell is going on there.
16 Oct 2011, 22:38 pm
@PissAnt(PissAnt)-1:
how about the petulant taunting and shove-to-face in Hong Kong ?
its the whole package, not one nor t’other
16 Oct 2011, 22:42 pm
@bokfan1(bokfan1)-5:
LOVIN IT !!!!
this is what youre now reduced to
LOVIN IT !!!!!
16 Oct 2011, 22:44 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-7:
youre right, von Trapp, who does the “self-righteous” Cooper think he is
an Immortal ?!
16 Oct 2011, 22:44 pm
@The Bill(The Bill)-8: Last time I checked Quade Cooper does not have the right to deliberately knee a guy in the head for no reason other to be a thug.
As for the breakdown, that’s up to the referee to police that. We only get away with as much as we are allowed. It isn’t like we get away with everything; Joubert did penalise McCaw for killing the ball last night, just as Pocock got penalised a couple of times too. Say what you want, but last night was fair.
16 Oct 2011, 22:46 pm
@Nuk3Fr33k1w1(Nuk3Fr33k1w1)-14:
Cruden was sensational
@cab(cab)-11:
“Morne was the best 10 for RWC rugby.”
ha HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !
16 Oct 2011, 22:53 pm
@bokfan1(bokfan1)-5:
lol
Did you just say the ABs are the dirtiest??
we are not saints but far from the dirtiest. Even the Samoans in 1995 said they have never come across such a dirty team as the Boks. Pictures of bites on the samoan players. They didnt want to say anything as 1995 was the RWC that SA deserved to win.
Bakkies, do i need to say more. Schalk, these are just some of the recent ones.
I could go on but it seems a bit silly really comparing.
But one thing i must say at least our coach does not say eye gouging is part of the game.
Maybe in SA but not in international rugby
16 Oct 2011, 22:55 pm
get serious u boys are getting too wrapped up in your own magnificence, time to get back down to earth, cruden was shaky, and your whole team is not that perfect far from it, pity is no-one longer there to show you that.
16 Oct 2011, 22:57 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-21:
the SAMOANS?!
good god almighty, they’ve never even looked to play rugby against the Boks in teh last two RWC – they were magnificently dirty when they played the Boks in the final poolgame, it was as if theyd been instructed to engage in a cheapshot after every single tackle or play. Wonderful filth, they really got our pack primed for the wobblies, pity we didnt select bismarck who was in such great form for that one.
16 Oct 2011, 22:58 pm
@cab(cab)-15:
Weepu has been outplaying FDP, who was suppose to be the best.
You may find it funny about his weight but you cant say anything to knock his ability
16 Oct 2011, 23:01 pm
@cab(cab)-23:
Exactly, now if they think the Boks were the dirtiest, they would know.
Bismark was manhandled last time he played against the ABs.
But as i said, bite marks all over them, gouging,head butting yet we have been branded the dirtiest team in the world by you lot, now thats damn cheeky
16 Oct 2011, 23:03 pm
@cab(cab)-23: Owe you a big apology, I was so sure we WERE going to go all the way. You were right, did not even reach the final, which was the least I expected. You have rugby sense in your bones will listen to your opinions a lot more closely. Sorry again for the insults and so on..
16 Oct 2011, 23:05 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-24:
weepu’s ok but he never been a FdP, who is now past it, they should have gone with hougaard who’s a hungry wolf in greyhound clothing.
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-25:
Bismark manhandled against the ABs? u a funny man, the last time they played was 8 weeks ago and the Boks won. The ABs have lost a bit of their filth, but thorn, woodcock and mealamu aint there to serve tea and crumpets.
16 Oct 2011, 23:07 pm
@rugby911(rugby911)-26:
dunno about that, like you i was also sure we were going all the way, right up until they didnt pick bismarck, then i suspected we were official a poked.
16 Oct 2011, 23:08 pm
To the NZlanders , a brilliant performance. Total rugby , a lesson in tactical kicking, schooling in ball control, tutorial on attacking weaknesses in defense, and all round lion-heartedness. A match I enjoyed thoroughly, thanks TED and the boys in the planning office!
Yet the celebration got me worried for you boys. Ted and the players had a smile of RELIEF. I am warning you boys, that is the wrong reaction to this performance – it is the reaction of a finals win…
16 Oct 2011, 23:08 pm
@cab(cab)-22:
LOVIN IT !!!!
16 Oct 2011, 23:11 pm
@Black Panther(Black Panther)-30:
what?
u almost getting as nonsensical as ET these day – a plethora of stereotypes and chortles and bellyrubs – i cant unnderstand what u saying, but u seem happy so i wont interfere. be damn funny if the frogs win. then i want to see who is chortling…rub a dub dub.
16 Oct 2011, 23:15 pm
actually u better pray the ABs win, cos if the French win, the ABs will never remove the chokers tag, and my god, the boot will be put in royally to a few individuals on here, in fact i will personally go scour the thread when the Bokke were knocked and pick out a selection for a good year’s worth long of derision – what fun we shall have…
16 Oct 2011, 23:15 pm
@cab(cab)-28: yup, but you identified the wheels coming off then, and I could not except that truth. And now big Vic says Pdivvy ‘gave us whatever we wanted’ the tail wagged the dog. I was hoping PdV was strong enough, but it turns out everyone was right. Smit was in charge. And now my antipathy to John Smit has risen alarmingly. The things he tweeted got me worried, but was too ‘supportive’ to change my stance. He tweeted to Terblanche ‘on the bench for your 100th? No way to treat you!’ And I thought to myself F u, you put whoever can win the game on the field, ALL THE TIME. Smit has brought the bile up in me, shew took others two years quicker then me, but always been a bit slow!
16 Oct 2011, 23:35 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-25: You have prove of what you are saying here?? I don’t think so.The Samoans most probably bit themselves.You are as bad in winning as you are in loosing. However despite a few guys like you on this site I hope the ABs win the title . They deserve it.I just wonder if all your previous posts on how SA did not play any good teams in 2007 when wIning the WC , will come out of your mouth??Again, I don’t think so.
16 Oct 2011, 23:35 pm
@rugby911(rugby911)-33:
yeah tough decisions all round, but imo they did pick too much on sentimentality, Bismarck was a worldclass weapon in the Bok pack and they looked over him for reasons of sentimentality. It was totally selfish and wrong, also agree with you on respect, it is earned. Look at Mils stranded on 99. Its ridiculous the whole thing has got to change. In fairness it was skopskiet who said all this loyalty was nonsense, i think there’s a balance that must be struck, but they got it wrong by persisting with smit when it was clear how important bismarck was. They also got it wrong with Alberts and Hougaard imo, but Bismark was a non-negotiable and for that alone, as much as i like Peter, he must make way. Consequences to choices, no marks for loyalty if the Boks head out of an RWC 1/4 final.
16 Oct 2011, 23:48 pm
@optiplay(optiplay)-34:
Very sad that you dont like me.
Seems you have a very short memory and seem to skip alot of the hog wash your own countrymen are saying.
But thanks for the backing of the ABs, but if you think i am whinging then you really need to look a bit closer at some of these posts and not just the Kiwi ones
17 Oct 2011, 03:15 am
@cab(cab)-32:
Hahaha
Cab, i thought that sort of thing was beneath you.
Are you really going to look for the Kiwis that were in their right to put down the claims of cheating, corruption and match fixing?
The wife beating claims and the mass suicide in NZ jokes isnt enough?
Make sure you pick your battles correctly Cab as i am sure most kiwis on here can hold their own, no TMO ref will save you now
17 Oct 2011, 03:55 am
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-36: I do realize that a lot of your remarks are aimed at certain guys on this site .Generally most of the posts have been fair towards the ABs.Unless your sentiments are truly that much against SA it would be appreciated if you can direct them at the people you want to antagonize. (just a suggestion)Your remarks on the biting and other “dirty” play is however incorrect and uncalled for.The fact that there are real crybabies on this site does not force you to do the same.I for one like to read the NZ posts .. But you went overboard with your last statement.
Awhile ago (and I wish I had kept it) a blogger ,in response to remarks on the SA “criminals” playing rugby,posted a list of your players who had been on the wrong side of the law. Excellent post it was.Makes you think.
You have as many dirty players as the rest of the world.(not counting Samoa).Believe me.
17 Oct 2011, 04:08 am
Quade, like Bakkies, is merely a pantomime villain.
17 Oct 2011, 04:09 am
@optiplay(optiplay)-38:
Opti
I didnt make up the Samoan that had bite marks over him in the 1995 RWC.
I actually stumbled across it as i was trying to find footage of Jeff wilson being sick on the sideline as a few guys were rambling on about 1995 RWC.
I would never make up a story like that, believe me.
I know we have not got an Angel of a team, we probably never have, but just above in a post someone claimed we were the dirtiest,we cheat the most and win with no Honour or sportsmanship.
IF you would like to look i actually reply to the people i want to talk to or comment to.
Anyway i will try and look for that news post that had the couple of samoans talking about it. Again i wouldnt make it up
17 Oct 2011, 04:18 am
I only took Weepu 4 years to undo the damage John Plum-for-brains did to him and he’s back at the top… I wonder how long it will take Rory Kockott… if ever!
17 Oct 2011, 04:33 am
@cab(cab)-32:
I hope france wins they are definitely more likeable and it would also shut the ab fans up for 4 more years
17 Oct 2011, 07:20 am
France are now COMPLETELY written off by all.
They will enjoy this status and come at the All Blacks with a fury not yet experienced by the NZ team.
Interesting times …
17 Oct 2011, 08:15 am
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-40: I think we have established that the Samoans have a skew view on what is fair, they have established themselves as the whiners of world rugby, so please excuse me if I don’t jump to believe accusations they leveled at the 95 boks.
Also, please get over the 95′ final AB sickness, what really happend is your trump card Lomu was stopped by the bok backs, the great duel between Mertens and Stranski was won by the later.
17 Oct 2011, 08:20 am
Two things gave the AB’s victory on Sunday, Dagg’s brilliant inside pass that gave Nanu the try and a decent ref. Did anybody else hear the exhaltation from the NZ crowd when the first penalty was awarded against Pocock?
Sunday restored my faith in world rugby, it’s just a shame that the only IRB official that knows his head from his arse is a South African.
17 Oct 2011, 08:23 am
@BreakdownBoy(goodstuff)-44:
You havnt resd what i said.
I was looking for the Jedd wilson thing for someone on here last night.
I didnt bring it up but he said he didnt believe it and wanted to see it.
What really happened was they were sick, Lomu had 3 players stuck to him and Mertens was out drop goaled. Good win and could not have happened to a more well deserved country. Much needed for SA at the time.
17 Oct 2011, 08:30 am
Cooper is NOT a world cup player.
Expect him to bounce back with a vengeance in the S15. That is a level that is more suited for his flamboyance
PS. I’d like to get a quote from Giteau after Sat’s performance.
17 Oct 2011, 08:33 am
ooooooh mustn’t insult the AB’s they always want respect. Respect the HAKA, respect the way they play, earn respect, disrespectful etc etc etc etc etc but was I the only one who saw them persistently and cynically patting the Wallabies on the head whenever a penalty was given in their favour or a free kick or even a knock on?
Quite frankly I was in two minds as whether I wanted to see the AB’s go through or not but that aside the word respect is often used in AB circles like its the AB’s who deserve all the respect because they are the best rugby playing nation. I concede that is probably right for the most part (other than the past 4 world cups) but I don’t see Brazilian footballers demanding respect, or the current English Cricket team or any other leading team in world sport. Respect as Graham Henry points out is earned and it is not just earned on the field of play but earned in how you conduct yourself on an off the field. I am no Wallaby fan but they did earn my respect last night in the way they conducted themselves on the field.
The AB’s: well they won the game but they didn’t need to cheer every penalty, tap their opponent on the head and chirp their way through a game they were probably going to win anyway. Yes AB’s its all about RESPECT, we hear it all the time from you but how about showing some MUTUAL RESPECT for once.
17 Oct 2011, 09:52 am
That’s it. I am now a massive France supporter. Who has to “earn the respect” of a nation sheep sh@ggers
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