Rugby: Team nod gives exile big boost

Quade Cooper. Photo / Getty Images

Quade Cooper has revealed that regaining lost respect from Wallabies teammates under heavy South African fire is the reason for his form turnaround as he prepares for his 50th test.

Preparing to meet Wales at Millennium Stadium, the previously-exiled Cooper said his "turning point" was receiving the team's "Man of Gold" best-player award after their 27-8 loss to the Springboks in Cape Town.

The five-eighths had a solid rather than spectacular game at Newlands, but the players' player honours meant plenty. It came 12 months after he rocked Australian rugby by labelling the Wallabies a toxic environment.

The rare recognition from his peers showed he again belonged and past misdeeds were forgiven.

"That was a great confidence booster," he said. "The best accolades you can get are the accolades from your teammates and for me it was a special moment."

Since then, Cooper says, his game has "clicked" as he's starred as a major contributor to the 20 tries scored in wins over Argentina, Italy, Ireland and Scotland and shown a playmaking composure that many felt he lacked at test level.

Long-time Queensland and test halves partner Will Genia said he knew regaining teammates' trust meant a lot to a more mature Cooper.

"I think with everything that happened, the hardest thing was always going to be getting the respect of the dressing room back," Genia said.

"The boys respected his contribution on the field, but more importantly off the field. He's put a lot of time and effort and work into building relationships and bonds with the boys.

"That's reflected in his performance as well.

"I think he's a better player than he was in 2011 and I think he'll continue to grow and the best is yet to come."

Proud coach Ewen McKenzie also tipped Cooper would only improve, especially in game-management.

"I don't think he's the finished article by any stretch," he said.

"There's always the extravagant aspect to his game which he can do things that I can't see anyone else do, or not many ... but there's also managing the game."

McKenzie's decision to further empower Cooper with the vice-captaincy has paid off, and the 25-year-old has thrived on the responsibility.

- AAP