Quade Cooper has declared Australia boasts the best outside centre in the game and believes pairing him with a powerful code-hopper could give the Wallabies a critical edge against the British & Irish Lions.
In a column published by News Corp, the 80-Test veteran singled out Len Ikitau as the standout No 13 in world rugby, backing the Brumbies centre to anchor the midfield when the Lions arrive in 2025.
“I unequivocally state that Len Ikitau is, in my opinion, the best No.13 in the world right now,” wrote Cooper. “There is no better defensive 13 than him in the game.”
Cooper said pairing Ikitau with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii would create a midfield combination capable of unsettling the Lions’ well-drilled defence. While the dual-code star is seen by many as a fullback, Cooper believes inside centre or wing could best harness Suaalii’s physical strengths.
“Suaalii’s attacking threat and sheer physicality at 12 with Ikitau’s world-class defensive solidity and skill at 13 is mouth-watering. I think it’s a lethal combination,” he wrote.
“Suaalii is an undeniable freak. He’s physical, he’s big, can move and has some serious skills on him.”
Cooper added that deploying Suaalii at No 12 would force the opposition to rethink their approach. “Placing that kind of power and dynamism at No.12 immediately creates a defensive headache for the opposition.”
As part of a broader call for strategic selection and greater tactical diversity, Cooper urged Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to recall veteran James O’Connor. The 34-year-old flyhalf, who now plays for the Crusaders, was described as an essential piece in regaining Australia’s identity.
“O’Connor’s experience, creativity, and ability to see the game from a different angle adds something this group doesn’t yet have,” Cooper wrote. “You don’t build a winning squad by picking the same type of player three times over.”
According to Cooper, the current generation of Wallaby flyhalves — Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh and Ben Donaldson — are all talented, but too similar. He believes O’Connor’s influence, even in a mentoring role, could be decisive in a high-stakes Lions series.
Beyond player selections, Cooper took aim at Rugby Australia’s leadership, saying the sport was being “crippled” by the churn of national coaches. He warned that the lack of continuity has left Australia without a clear identity or style of play.
Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
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