Wales mission for Cooper

Jan 12 2008 by Simon Thomas, Western Mail

GARETH COOPER will join Gareth Delve in looking to catch the eye of Wales coach Warren Gatland at the Liberty Stadium this evening.

Like Delve, scrum-half Cooper could be just one big performance away from securing a spot in Gatland’s Six Nations squad.

The 27-year-old has been preferred to Scottish international Rory Lawson at No 9 for the Heineken Cup showdown having recovered from a hamstring strain.

He has been limited to two starts for Gloucester following his summer switch from the Dragons, but this is his big chance to catch the eye.

Cooper is one of five internationals who have been drafted into the Cherry & Whites line-up, along with No 8 Delve, full-back Iain Balshaw, winger James Simpson-Daniel and hooker Andy Titterrell.

Coach Dean Ryan said, “We are fortunate to have some key players returning. We have a strong squad and we are comfortable with the selections we have made for this game.

“It gives us dynamism with the option of power from the bench. Bar one or two, we have everybody available.

“This game represents what the Heineken Cup means across Europe. There are some huge contests and ours falls right into the top bracket.

“This is the top end of club competition and we will relish that fact. We have made a very encouraging start in the Heineken Cup, but we know this will examine us and what we can offer this tournament.

“These are the sort of games you want to be involved in as a player and a coach.”