14 Oct 2011

Cooper deflects criticism onto All Blacks

7:14 am on 14 October 2011

The much-maligned Australian playmaker Quade Cooper has shrugged off criticism from former Wallaby David Campese, instead trying to increase the pressure on the All Blacks ahead of Sunday's Rugby World Cup semi-final in Auckland.

Cooper was criticised for a poor performance in Australia's narrow quarter-final win over South Africa, with Campese unimpressed by his eratic form saying he needs to be more of a team player.

But Cooper has dismissed the criticism, saying he takes advice from his team-mates and coaches rather than those outside the team.

He also maintains his recent on field run-ins with All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw will be the least of the All Blacks concerns, given the home side has failed to make the final since 1995.