It’s make or break for Quade Cooper’s Test bid but he won’t let that distract him

There has been no contact between Deans and Cooper ahead of the match but the Wallabies selectors will keep a close eye on the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane before they add six players to their squad for the three-Test series.

The fly-half battle between Cooper and Owen Farrell will be one of style versus substance. While Cooper is famed for his unpredictability and flare, Farrell is known for control and defensive work.

“I haven’t seen too much of him play,” added Cooper. “I know he’s not that much of a running five-eighth but he’s a very talented player. You don’t get picked for your country and Lions for no reason, and I’m sure it will be a great duel going up against him, one that I’m very much looking forward to.”

Sam Warburton will make his Lions debut as captain and the Welshman will have to limit Cooper’s space in order to neutralise his dangerous attacking play. Wales have lost their last eight games against the Wallabies and they have not won on Australian soil since 1969.

But Cooper does not believe those statistics will give him an advantage in the clash of the captains and says his side will take any psychological edge they can.

“It’s given me an edge in the coin toss,” joked Cooper. “He’s a fine player. He’s younger than me and he’s achieved a lot, I always thought he was a lot older than he is. He’s been around for quite a long time now and it just goes to show the commitment he has for rugby.

“Each game he goes out there he’s always a nuisance and he’s very tough to play against. Being a five-eight playing against him, he’s always popping up in places that you don’t want him to pop up and he’s hard to get rid of.

“In terms of an edge they’ve got four teams all moulded together and you’ve got great players from all of those countries. Wherever we can find an edge we’ll look for one, whether it’s statistics or whatnot, we’ll look for anything we can to get the upper hand and go out there to give it our all.”