While New Zealanders ask themselves whether the All Blacks can win the World Cup without Dan Carter, Australians are wondering whether the Wallabies can win the tournament with Quade Cooper.
 
If Cooper continues to play the way he did in Australia’s win against the Springboks in their quarter final in Wellington last Sunday, the answer is clearly no.

At the moment, there are too many Wallabies performing extra tasks to compensate for what Cooper does not do.

Winger Digby Ioane does his tackling for him while winger James O’Connor comes into first receiver to spark the attack.

The most obvious would be start is Barnes at five eighth.

While he is not as creative as Cooper, Barnes is solid, reliable and follows instructions.

Perhaps the best argument for keeping Cooper at five eighth will be the psychological effect it would have on the All Blacks if he were dropped from the team.

Cooper has tormented New Zealand in previous Tests and his running battle with Richie McCaw has made him public enemy No 1.

To see Cooper sitting on the reserves bench would be a major morale boost for the All Blacks.

The first semifinal at 8pm on Saturday will see France meet Wales while at 8pm on Sunday the All Blacks meet the Wallabies.

Live commentary of both the matches can be heard on our sister station Viti-FM.


Story by: Selina Navuso