“A lot of pressure is on the All Blacks to win the tournament on home-soil”.
That is the view of Wallabies embattled playmaker Quade Cooper.
He added that a Wallabies victory over the All Blacks in Sunday night's Rugby World Cup semi final is far more important than restoring his own on field reputation.
Cooper is under immense pressure to step up and deliver after struggling in Australia's 11 9 quarter final win over South Africa.
Considered New Zealand's public enemy No 1 for his series of brushes with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Cooper said the crowds' boos and jeers for him every time he touched the ball is impossible to ignore.
Audio 1
Cooper stressed that the All Blacks are supposed to have won this World Cup for the past three tournaments and this is no different.
The first semifinal at 8pm Saturday will see France meet Wales and at 8pm Sunday the All Blacks meet the Wallabies and the live commentary of both matches can be heard on our sister station, Viti FM with Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.
Story by: Selina Navuso
A lot of pressure is on All Blacks-Cooper
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement