Quade Cooper has a final chance to impress Wallabies coach Robbie Deans © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Features: ESPNscrum Lions 2013 Hangout: 3rd Test Preview

Features: ESPNscrum Lions 2013 Hangout: 2nd Test Preview

Features: ESPNscrum Lions 2013 Hangout: 1st Test Preview

Features: ESPNscrum Lions 2013 Hangout: Pre-Waratahs

News: Hungry Lions relishing tougher test

News: Jones: Lions are fallible to high tempo play

News: Captain Quade Cooper focused solely on Reds

News: Cian Healy cleared of biting Brett Sheehan

News: Cian Healy ruled out of tour with ankle injury

Features: ESPNscrum Lions 2013 Hangout: Pre-Reds

Tom's Tour Diary: Let's talk about Quade

Preview: Lions primed for Reds rumble

Matches: Queensland Reds 12 - 22 British and Irish Lions

Former England and British & Irish Lions star Jason Robinson believes Quade Cooper's omission from the Wallabies squad would be a bonus for the tourists ahead of the three Test series.

In his column for The Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday, the dual international said that Cooper should be the obvious choice to partner Will Genia in the halves and that his omission may be coach Robbie Deans' tactic to extract the best out the playmaker.

"Cooper and Will Genia, for me, are the obvious choice for halfback and five-eighth," he said. "There are question marks about Cooper, but on his day he is without doubt the best No. 10 in Australia. And cultural issues aside, the way he plays - his attacking strengths and the way he combines with Genia - he cannot be overlooked. It will be interesting to see how he goes against the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday night in his last opportunity to prove his worth to Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

"It is a fascinating situation Cooper finds himself in, to say the least. From a players' perspective there is no question what he is worth to the Australian Test team. When you're playing against him, especially if you're a forward, around the breakdown and in the No.10 channel, you've got to be extra careful because he has such great feet. For many five-eighths their strengths are their handling and only now and again do they threaten the line. But Cooper has the ability to attack from anywhere, pick out lazy runners and take them on quite easily and he has that over and above most other No.10s.

"Cooper has an opportunity this week before the Tests come around so it's up to him to make it count. It does make me wonder if there is some psychology behind Deans' decision, though, and in one sense you've got to take your hat off to him because making these calls is not easy and if he felt he had to do that, he is obviously trying to drag something out of Cooper. It is for every player to prove to a coach, because ultimately it is not about impressing the fans it is about impressing the coach and giving the coach the confidence to select you and implement the game plan," Robinson said.

"I am sure he is spitting chips at the moment because he's not involved in the squad. This game gives him an opportunity to say 'well look Robbie, it is your mistake if you don't pick me after this performance'. If Cooper has a big game it will have to put pressure on Deans if he still doesn't pick him, so that adds plenty of excitement."

Robinson, however, pointed out that while there have been plenty of calls for Cooper to be included, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has to select players he's certain can deliver on the field.

"But at the same time I can understand the dilemma Deans faces. At the end of the day the guy has got to perform. It doesn't matter what your name is or what your reputation is, if you get the call-up it's got to be people who can do a job in the team and if Deans has doubts then he has to make the call. It's his head on the chopping block if it's the wrong call," he said.

"The reality with all of these selection debates is that it is easy for everyone to make comments but ultimately the coach is the one getting paid to make the tough choices and he knows that, so if he doesn't think Cooper can do the job he wants him to do then that is up to him.

"It is a test for Cooper mentally as well. Most players at that level are burning inside if they don't get selected. The only way to put that right is through performance. You can talk as much as you want in the paper, you can have everybody else commenting, but the way everything is answered in professional sport - and certainly in rugby - is out on the field.