The Greg Growden Medal
Quade Cooper produces virtuoso performance
ESPN Staff
March 24, 2014

Quade Cooper has moved atop the Greg Growden Medal standings after a standout performance for Queensland Reds against the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The playmaker scored two converted tries and two penalty goals in a virtuoso masterpiece as the Reds claimed a 17-point half-time lead in South Africa, but he was helpless as the Reds conceded penalty after penalty in letting slip the victory.

Cooper was joined on eight points in the round-six standings by Western Force captain Matt Hodgson and Brumbies winger Robbie Coleman, who each also bagged a brace of tries as their sides respectively defeated the Chiefs and the Stormers.

Hodgson's performance, in particular, was timely as it enforced once again the strength of Australian rugby in the back-row, especially with Liam Gill sustaining a hamstring injury in his seven-point performance in Johannesburg.

Hodgson last played a Test in 2011, aged 29, but Force coach Michael Foley said his captain's experience "made possible his second try and that's not something to be dismissed lightly".

The Greg Growden Medal judges noted also that Hodgson made 20 tackles in a stellar individual performance.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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