Super Rugby
Cooper eyes Wallabies return
ESPN Staff
May 20, 2012
Quade Cooper on his comeback for the Reds, Reds v Lions, Super Rugby, Lang Park, Brisbane, Australia, May 19, 2012
Quade Cooper made his long-awaited comeback from injury against the Lions on Saturday © Getty Images
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Reds fly-half Quade Cooper celebrated his long-awaited return to action by setting his sights on reclaiming his place in the Wallabies' line-up.

Cooper made his first competitive outing in seven months against the Lions on Saturday night having battled back from the serious knee injury he suffered in Australia's Rugby World Cup Bronze Final victory over Wales. His assured 40-minute contribution included a key line break in the build up to his side's first try that will have boosted his chances of featuring against Scotland and Wales next month.

"Running out in front of a big home crowd was a lot of fun, and it was a big pat on the back for the big road I've come from," Cooper said following the game. "When you've got a good team, a good morale and a good game plan it's always easy to go out there and do your part and that's all I had to do.

"If I continue to progress and continue to keep stepping up a level each week then I'll definitely be putting my hand up for (Test) selection but in the same regard it's totally out of my control."

Next up for the Reds is a showdown with Australian conference rivals the Brumbies in a game that is crucial to both sides' play-off hopes. "We are definitely confident in our ability and the way that we have been tracking, and the Brumbies have been going well all season so it's going to be a red-hot game," added Cooper.

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