New Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has offered out-of-favour five-eighth Quade Cooper hope by calling him an outstanding player, while remaining non-committal about incumbent pivot James O’Connor.
The 25-year-old Queenslander played the last of his 38 Tests in September 2012 against Argentina.
He hasn’t been able to force his way back since labelling the Wallabies environment as ‘toxic’ later that month.
Utility back O’Connor occupied the five-eighth jersey for the three Tests against the British and Irish Lions, but drew mixed reviews for his performances.
McKenzie has continued to champion Cooper’s cause while occupying the position of Queensland director of coaching.
On Tuesday, he made it clear he was still a great admirer of the player.
“I think Quade is an outstanding player. I’m now in a position to control exactly who is going to play and who isn’t,” McKenzie said.
“I look forward to the challenge of selecting the team. I’ll be picking the team that I think can beat the All Blacks.
“I’m really looking forward to that task. I think we’ve got a really good bunch of players.
“I think we’ve got great depth.”
McKenzie revealed little about his thoughts on O’Connor playing at five-eighth.
“Obviously, I’ve had a good look at the last three games,” McKenzie said.
“I’ve got strong opinions about lots of players but, until I sit in front of them and talk to them and actually see them on the training field …
“I’ve seen James O’Connor out there playing, but I’ve never coached him so there’s a bunch of players like that, so I’ll need to work all that out.”
McKenzie said one of the important aspects of his job would be contacting the Australian Super Rugby coaches for their opinions on players he knew less about.