Wallabies return on the radar of Mr Fix-It

VETERAN utility Adam Ashley-Cooper is hatching an audacious bid for a fourth World Cup campaign at 35 with a deal to return to the NSW Waratahs all but done.

The durable backline “Mr Fix-It” is playing for Kobelco Steelers in Japan but positive talks with Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson are aimed at a Super Rugby return next season.

The bigger picture is Ashley-Cooper auditioning for a Wallabies role at next year’s World Cup in Japan should he still have the thrust and reliability he showed during 116 Tests.

“He’s spoken to me about the thought,” coach Michael Cheika said on the Gold Coast where his Wallabies face Argentina on Saturday night.

“I didn’t have to say anything because he took the words out of my mouth (by saying) ‘I’m not looking for favours, I want to come back through Super Rugby and prove myself good enough to take a spot.”

Ashley-Cooper delivered the winning hat-trick of tries against Argentina in the 2015 World Cup semi-final in London and a double when the Waratahs won the epic 2014 Super Rugby final.

“Obviously, I like him a lot as a player and he’s done plenty for me,” Cheika said of two highs they shared as coach and player.

“It’s funny what players can do when they set a serious goal. If he plays good enough he’ll get an opportunity I imagine like anyone else but no guarantees.”

It will all come down to the energy still in his legs.

Ashley-Cooper’s experience and big-stage track record are a headstart for a 31man Cup squad even for a player two years out of Test rugby.

Reece Hodge has stepped up admirably since with this own versatility and will be at outside centre against Argentina at Cbus Super Stadium because two Test centres are injured.