Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has shrugged off the prospect of being cast in the role of villain again by some New Zealand rugby fans during the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington.

Cooper took a diplomatic line when he arrived back in his country of birth on Wednesday ahead of the Test on Saturday and was asked about the booing he cops from Kiwi supporters.

“Everyone is entitled to act however they want to act,” he said.

“Whether it’s appropriate or not I’m not the judge of that.

“I’ve just got to go out there and try and do the best for my team and hopefully perform well.”

Dubbed public enemy No.1 in New Zealand during the 2011 World Cup after his pre-tournament skirmishes with All Black skipper Richie McCaw, Cooper was the target of booing by some in the Sydney crowd when he came off the bench in the 47-29 defeat last weekend.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, fullback Israel Dagg and winger Julian Savea are among those who have urged fans to move on and let bygones be bygones.

Accustomed to being a starting five-eighth in his teams, Cooper said he was adapting to his new bench role for the Wallabies.

The Queensland Reds playmaker was widely expected to be restored to the Wallabies No.10 jersey when Ewen McKenzie replaced Robbie Deans as coach in July.

But young Brumbies pivot Matt Toomua was given the task last Saturday, leaving Cooper to end his international exile from the bench.

Toomua appears set to retain his starting place and Cooper said being in the reserves won’t change his preparation.

“You’ve still got to contribute to the team whether you’re on the bench or starting,” he said.

Meanwhile, McKenzie is confident Cooper is not being affected by the crowd reaction to him.

“I know when you get out on the field, you’re not listening to the crowd – you’re listening to what’s going on,” McKenzie said.

“You’re listening to calls and you’re making calls. You’re not worried about the crowd.”