Cooper cranks up the pressure

New Zealand v Australia: AUSTRALIA OUTHALF Quade Cooper cranked up the pressure on himself and his team yesterday as they began final preparations for tomorrow's crucial Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand at Eden Park.

Cooper has been recalled to the side 10 months after suffering a sickening knee injury at the same ground during the World Cup.

However, the New Zealand-born player was not prepared to discuss his return, or answer queries about facing the All Blacks again, when he fronted local reporters in Sydney.

“That’s all I want to say is, I’m back. I’m fit, healthy – I’m ready to go. And I’ll see everybody at Eden Park.” he said at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney before stalking off.

Asked if he had anything else to add, he replied: “No, that’s it.” The whole exchange lasted about 10 seconds, according to stunned local media.

Cooper, virtually untouchable when the mood takes him at Super Rugby level, has struggled to impose his will on Test matches, particularly against the All Blacks.

His most memorable meltdown came during the World Cup semi-final loss when he was jeered from the time he kicked the ball into touch from the opening whistle and played poorly thereafter.

The walkout caused a massive media storm in Australia, where Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has come under increasing pressure after his side were beaten 27-19 by the All Blacks last week in Sydney. Australia have not beaten the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1986, and Deans reinstated Cooper to provide the backline with an X-factor after their stilted performance last week in Sydney offered little creativity and enterprise.

“Quade will be very keen to get back out there and play,” said Deans.

AUSTRALIA:Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (capt), Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson Replacements: to be confirmed later.

NEW ZEALAND: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Maa Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.