Australia. Quade Cooper called in reinforcement, Duncan Paia’aua selected for the Rugby Championship

Despite his 70 caps with the Wallabies, Australia denies nationality to Quade CooperWill Quade Cooper replay for the first time with the Wallabies since 2017? The opener, who has played in Japan for two years at the Kintetsu Liners, is in Australia on vacation and will fly to New Zealand for the Bledisloe Cup. The Australian press tells us that Wallabies coach Dave Rennie called him in for reinforcement in view of the shocks against the All Blacks. “Rennie and Cooper set up a 90-minute reunion this week to discuss the prospect of bringing him to practice, given the logistical headache of bringing in players from across the country.The Sydney Morning Herald explains. James O’Connor’s groin injury will prevent No 10 from traveling to New Zealand and with border restrictions Rennie had no choice but to turn towards the opener with 70 selections.

For now, there is no question of giving him the controls of the attack of the Wallabies at the expense of young Noah Lolesio, decisive against the XV of France during the tour of the Blues. However, the 33-year-old could appear on the scoresheet if injured. Above all, he will bring all his experience to this young Australian team. He arrived at the Wallabies camp on Sunday evening and introduced himself to the new members of the team, including Toulonnais Duncan Paia’aua. The versatile 3/4 of the RCT was selected via the Giteau rule which allows the coach to call a player playing abroad even though he does not have 60 selections. Good news for the player, but which will deprive Toulon of an important element for many weeks. Paia’aua was reportedly on vacation in Australia before returning to France. That’s one of the reasons Rennie called on him.