Quade Cooper

Quade Cooper is set to make his return to Test rugby after being named in the Wallabies’ 32-man squad for next week’s third Bledisloe Cup match against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium.

Cooper suffered a serious shoulder injury back in May but has shown good form in the NRC tournament for Brisbane City.

The talented five-eighth is likely to come off the bench with Bernard Foley to start, however Cooper’s return for the clash at Suncorp Stadium on October 18 is timely given the suspension of Kurtley Beale and injuries to several other inside backs.

Sydney Morning Herald

Following back-to-back losses to South Africa and Argentina to sink their Rugby Championship campaign, coach Ewen McKenzie may be looking at the dead-rubber against the All Blacks as a last chance for some of his underperforming stars.

ACT Brumbies flyer Henry Speight has also been included in the squad, but won’t be considered for selection as he finishes his recovery from a hamstring problem.

Speight will use the week in Brisbane to familiarise himself with the Wallabies environment ahead of the Spring Tour.

Speight is one of four uncapped members in the squad, alongside Western Force tighthead prop Tetera Faulkner and centre Kyle Godwin, and Melbourne Rebels winger Tom English.

In a further change, Melbourne Rebels backrower Luke Jones has also received a call-up, after previously earning his international debut for Australia in the second Test against France in June.

Brumbies centre Matt Toomua drops out of the squad through injury after receiving a head knock in Australia’s most recent clash against Argentina in Mendoza, while flyhalf Beale will not been considered until a Code of Conduct Hearing is finalised.

McKenzie will finalise his 23-man matchday squad next Tuesday but welcomed Cooper’s return.

“You’re always searching for the right balance of experience and youth in a squad, so it’s pleasing to see Quade Cooper available once again and also a number of potential debutants putting their hand up for selection,” McKenzie said.

“All four of the debutants have had some exposure to the Wallabies program this year, which is invaluable as they continue their transition into the group.

“While Henry has made great progress, weve already had once false-start with his injury this year, so well continue to take a conservative approach until he is 100 per cent ready to go.”

Wallabies squad:

Ben Alexander, Tetera Faulkner, Sekope Kepu, Benn Robinson, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, James Hanson, Josh Mann-Rea, Sam Carter, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, Scott Fardy, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, Michael Hooper (Captain), Luke Jones, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Kyle Godwin, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali’ifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom English, Israel Folau, Rob Horne, Henry Speight, Joe Tomane.