Head-to-head: Cooper vs O’Connor

Mercurial Wallaby fly-half Quade Cooper will take on fellow Wallaby and close friend James O’Connor when the Reds met the Rebels at AAMI Stadium on Friday, 8 March 2013.

Cooper, who knows and has played alongside O’Connor, knows that the Rebels flyhalf has grown a lot since their last on-field encounter.

“He’s grown up a lot and he’s a lot bigger,” Cooper told AAP. “He’s not like a little 18-year-old anymore.”

Cooper emphasised O’Connor’s strength and agility, and knows that it’s a danger he must be weary of.

“He’s actually now a very powerful player and is a lot bigger than what people’s memories of him are when he burst onto the scene,” said Cooper.

“He’s worked hard at his strength and his power and it’s come right into his game with how many tackles he breaks and his defence.”

Cooper, following his stint in boxing, feels that he has also toughened up and is improving as a defensive player, alongside his undeniable natural attacking ability.

“I’ve worked really hard at it and I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym to be strong when I come into contact and it’s started to work in my favour,” he said.

The Reds met the Rebels at AAMI Stadium, Melbourne, on Friday, 8 March 2013.

Source: AAP