Sharpe dismisses Cooper sideshow

We're concerned with the game

Wallaby captain Nathan Sharpe’s patience is running increasingly thin regarding the ongoing Quade Cooper saga.

The situation surrounding Cooper has overshadowed the team’s preparation for Saturday’s Test against the Springboks in the Australian media and Sharpe, apparently, is fed up.  

The Wallaby skipper was again asked to comment on controversial Cooper’s criticism of the Australian set-up and could not hide his frustration.  

"We're concerned with the game on the weekend," a visibly annoyed Sharpe said in Pretoria.

"Those things will play themselves out the way they're supposed to.

"We're over here to do a job and that's to beat South Africa, representing Australia ... we're looking forward to that and all those things happening back home, we've got no influence over them."

Brumbies coach Jake White, currently on holiday in South Africa, did not shy away from the issue, saying Cooper was out of line.

"What I've read, it's obviously not great for anyone to come out and slander the team you play for and the coach you play for," White said on Boots 'n All.

"It doesn't matter whether it's Quade Cooper or any other international player, you can't allow the players to come out and say what they want, especially in a forum like that.

"I'm sure the ARU are not going to just let this go by."