Rugby World Cup: Ella warns Cooper to ditch cheap shots

Former Wallaby Mark Ella. Photo / Getty Images

Wallabies legend Mark Ella has warned Quade Cooper to focus on rugby and leave the cheap shots to somebody else.

Cooper was labelled a "boofhead" by former Australian captain Nick Farr-Jones over his constant targeting of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in off-the-ball incidents.

And Ella has told Radio Sport that he agrees with Farr-Jones' assessment.

"They're big cheap shots, there's no doubt about it. Quade is a talented footballer. He should do what he does best and that's play football - leave the cheap shots to somebody else.

"He is pushing his luck. He just doesn't need to stir up the All Blacks, they're a great side anyway."

Ella predicted the All Blacks to go on and win the Rugby World Cup, but urged the New Zealand public to relax and let the team go about their business.

"New Zealand will always panic until they win another World Cup. It's been a long time in between drinks. But they've got a great coaching staff and squad."

"I think their biggest danger is the Wallabies. They are so unpredictable, they've got a lot of young players who like to chance their arm."

When asked about Robbie Deans' win to loss ratio with the Wallabies (28 wins, 20 losses, and one draw), Ella told Radio Sport: "If he wins the World Cup, I'd make him Australian of the year. But he's got to do the job. You reward people on their success and I'm a big fan of Robbie's."

- Herald Online