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Cooper enjoying his 'armchair ride'

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:18

Armchair ride: Reds playmaker Quade Cooper

Reds playmaker Quade Cooper has praised the efforts of the Reds' unheralded forward pack a month into the Super 14 season, saying they are a major reason for the team's success.

Cooper praised their hard work in the trenches and said they were responsible for the Reds' backline enjoying so much time and space.

"They're doing such a good job up front and setting a platform for us backs," Cooper told reporters at Ballymore on Tuesday.

"We are just riding that wave the forwards are setting us.

"We've just got to finish off their hard work."

The Reds meet the Force at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday - the team's only afternoon game in Brisbane for the year.

Cooper said he was hoping fans would take advantage of the opportunity to support the team, just as they did almost a fortnight ago when they braved horrendous conditions in the Reds 'Back to Ballymore' clash with the Blues.

"It was pouring down rain and to see the fans out in numbers was something we're very proud of," he said.

"To get that passion back [with the fans] is something that we [the Reds] really look forward to doing. It's a goal we set out at the beginning of the preseason, to try to get back the respect of fans. I think that has come a long way since last year.

"It will be good to get out there on a Sunday arvo [afternoon] and hopefully make the most of it."

But grabbing a victory and securing their first back-to-back win since 2006 won't be easy as the Force are coming off a bye and are desperate for their first win of the season.

Cooper said he was expecting the Perth based club to throw everything at the Reds as they are a "good, quality side".

"We've had a few challenges already this season. Two in a row is something we had as a preseason goal, so we're looking forward to doing that, if we can nail down the hard work at training this week.

"It's going to be a tough game against the Force, they're a good side. Playing any Australian side, it's always a difficult match, and an Australian derby is always one you look out for."

Cooper said he expected selection for the game to be hotly contested with many of the squad's younger players stepping up for the Reds' injured backline stars including Peter Hynes and Digby Ioane against the Chiefs last week.

"It's always good to have that sort of headache. When you've got tough decisions around selection, that's something any team wants to have.

"[But] if you're on the sideline you'll still be cheering for the boys. We're in this together and it's about presenting a united front. If you're on the sideline you are still part of the team."

Cooper has been in career best form throughout 2010 and many are tipping the incumbent Wallaby inside centre to retain his spot and add to his 11 Test caps later this year, although Cooper insisted his sole focus remained squarely on playing well for the Reds.

"At the end of the day it's just about concentrating on playing well for the Reds and hopefully those things come further down the track. It's all just about continuing your form for your club," he said.

However Cooper admits he has been watching one of his main rivals for an international jersey, close friend James O'Connor, ahead of their clash on Sunday.

"He's been in great form and I've been watching all his games. It's awesome to see him playing so well when they've [the Force] had such a bad run with injuries. Hopefully he can keep up his good form, but maybe not this weekend," Cooper quipped.

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