Quade Cooper insists the pressure cooker of a Super Rugby final tomorrow is no time for himself or the freewheeling Queensland Reds to play it safe.

Queensland’s excitement machine said he will continue to roll the dice against the Crusaders at Lang Park and coach Ewen McKenzie has again given him a license to thrill.

Cooper was at his mesmerizing best in the 30-13 semifinal triumph over the Blues last Saturday, making a mockery of the belief playoffs require solid and steady play rather than risk and razzle-dazzle.

Queensland’s players do know they must be careful to limit their mistakes against the Crusaders, who have made an art out of punishing turnovers with their clinical counterattack.

But ABC reports that Cooper said the Reds play their best when they treat the field like a backyard and he will not alter his attacking philosophy for the decider.

Cooper said where better to do this than in front of 50,000 people in a massive backyard.

McKenzie said he does not spend any time telling Quade Cooper “no”.

He said that saying no to creative people is not a profitable way to coach.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder stressed his side needs to shut Will Genia and Quade Cooper down to win a cherished eighth title.

The Reds/Crusaders final kicks off at 9.40pm tomorrow.


Story by: Vijay Narayan