Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Reds find form ahead of Quade Cooper's much anticipated return
The Reds ended the Chiefs' nine-game winning streak with a 42-27 victory in Brisbane on Sunday. The win keeps their title defence hopes alive, and has helped build momentum in time for the return of star flyhalf, Quade Cooper.
The Queensland outfit are ninth on the overall Super Rugby table, but with the conference system, they sit in second place in the Australian section, so still have a good chance of making the playoffs.
They came from 22-8 down against the table topping Chiefs, scoring four tries in 10 minutes, including a brilliant 60 metre solo effort from halfback Will Genia. He'll be buoyed by the return of flyhalf Cooper, who makes his comeback this weekend against the bottom of the table Lions.
Cooper has been out of action with a damaged ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the knee) since the Rugby World Cup in October 2011. He says he's prepared well and is ready to get out there.
"Everything which could be done has been done and the rest is now out of my hands," said Cooper.
"It has been a long six-plus months on the sideline and I know I've done everything I can to tick all the boxes during my rehab and have been as diligent as possible to ensure I am ready to return
"I'll be going out on Saturday knowing I've done everything within my power to be prepared both physically and mentally and it's now about going out and doing the best that I can for the team.
"It has been special to see all the support I've had from fans while I've been injured and all their well-wishes just make you more determined to get back out there. They've been a real motivator during my rehab and I hope to see them all out at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night."
The Chiefs scored some excellent tries too, hence featuring these highlights on the homepage, but remember you can view all other Super Rugby Highlights in our archived section too.
Posted at 8:20 am | 16 comments
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Viewing 16 comments
karimabuseer May 16, 2012 12:29 pm
Pretzel May 16, 2012 8:07 pm
Mart May 17, 2012 12:36 am
you twat his momentum clearly propelled him into that position and then he stood up.
That was not a post try celebration. Shipperly is very humble.
Mart May 17, 2012 5:07 am
Pretzel May 17, 2012 12:03 pm
Pink Flying Deathmon May 16, 2012 9:02 pm
Seems like I missed another good game. Damn my location.
themull May 17, 2012 1:45 pm
Anyways back to the game, some great tries and amazing hands by the chiefs...Cruden seems to really coming into his own since the world cup...All Blacks definitely have a replacement for Carter if they look after him right and give him enough game time over next few years for experience...
I haven't been following super rugby that closely this year but will the reds throw Quade back in straight away or can they afford to keep him out for another while? Knee injuries of that calibre are very dangerous (David Wallace just announced his retirement after doing his before world cup last year) and considering he's the cover boy for Aussie rugby for foreseeable future it might be wise to introduce him slowly back into it..
stroudos May 17, 2012 4:15 pm
I hope he is properly looked after and reintroduced - as you implied, the Reds seem to have the squad depth to manage, young Lucas seems pretty competent.
Fingers crossed for Cooper though, I think rugby is a better game with guys like him playing.
Jon May 18, 2012 1:12 am
He's been named in the starting team for the Reds game this weekend against the Lions.
It probably helps the Reds that the Lions are the worst team in the comp, it's a good game for him to make a comeback. We'll see if he gets selected for the Wallabies for the test matches immediatley following this weekends round.
I don't think they will, he'd be better served easing his way back. QLd hs an exhibition game against the Canes during the test match window, and it's be beter for him to sit out the tough test matches and work his way back with a few weeks more training and the practice match.
Kurtley Beale has moved to 10 at Melbourne and is playing very well, so he can hold down the 10 spot for Austrlia while Cooper is coming back.
Pretzel May 17, 2012 3:12 pm
ruckinmaul May 18, 2012 1:11 am
stroudos May 18, 2012 9:13 am
The game you want is here: http://www.rugbydump.com/2012/05/2575/rebels-vs-crusaders-super-rugby-round-12.
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