Wallabies Mr Fix-It Adam Ashley-Cooper has warned of the danger that comes from All Blacks superstar Dan Carter’s lethal left boot ahead of Saturday night’s Bledisloe clash in Brisbane.
While Carter is among the most accurate goalkickers in world rugby, it’s his kicking in general play which Ashley-Cooper highlighted as a major concern for a new Australian back-three combination.
The Wallabies have been closely studying the New Zealand five-eighth’s pin-point high kicks, as well as his long-raking drop punts, after struggling to defuse them in past trans-Tasman battles.
Australia’s most reliable back under the high ball, Ashley-Cooper has been selected on the right wing for his return from a sickening head knock to help rookie fullback Mike Harris and left winger Nick Cummins handle the aerial assault.
The 72-Test stalwart said Carter was an expert at applying pressure and exploiting back-three players out of position.
“He’s the best five-eighth in the game so for us it’s not giving him any chance to expose you if you’re off,” he said.
“We’ve been looking at DC’s game all week and obviously he’s got a very tactical and well-positioned kick off his left foot so we’re going to have to be positionally sound this week.
“We’ll have to work as a real unit and really shut down his space.”
Try as he might, Ashley-Cooper can’t rid himself of the Mr Fix-It tag.
A winger in his early career who was always groomed to succeed Stirling Mortlock as Australia’s outside centre, the 28-year-old also made a fine fist of fullback and has regularly been rotated through the three positions.
Before Robbie Deans announced his side on Tuesday, Ashley-Cooper admitted he preferred to stay at No.13 – and build on his recent form there – in his return from injury.
But he’s looking on the bright side of a move back to the wing, replacing Digby Ioane (knee), and continuing to embrace his utility value.
“I’ve played many positions but as I’ve said before, and I’d hate to repeat myself, I’m happy just to play anywhere,” he said.
“Last time I played against these guys up here on the right wing we had a win (25-20 last year) so hopefully that’s a bit of an omen for me.”
