Cooper in line for recall to Wallabies

Quade Cooper is in contention for his first Wallabies cap since last year’s Rugby World Cup as coach Michael Cheika looks for a solution to his inside centre problem.

Cooper has not taken the field for Australia since they beat Uruguay in September last year, but plenty of water has since passed under the bridge of his rugby career.

The 28-year-old had a short stint at Toulon following the World Cup, and dabbled in the Rugby Sevens scene before returning to Australia and signing a three-year deal with the Wallabies in July.

Cooper could be rushed back for his 59th test, with Cheika facing a lengthy backline injury toll, having also lost outside centre Rob Horne to injury on Saturday.

The coach also has Samu Kerevi and rookie Reece Hodge in mind to fill the void in the centres.

Matt Giteau lasted only nine minutes after picking up a syndesmosis injury in Saturday’s humiliating 42-8 loss to the All Blacks.

He was replaced by Matt Toomua who suffered a head knock that has ruled him out of this weekend’s second test.

Brumbies inside centre Christian Leali’ifano is battling leukaemia.

‘‘We’ll probably retire the No 12 jersey I think, it’s not been a good one so far in this series,’’ Cheika said.

‘‘There are a few options we’ve got there. The possibility of playing the ball runners together with Samu coming in there.

‘‘Or we could ... try and work two playmakers around.

‘‘Quade’s obviously been there or thereabouts in training, Reece Hodge has also put his hand up quite well at training over the last few weeks.

‘‘Quade’s someone I’d consider in the team at 10 or 12, or fullback. It’s depending on what our situation requires.

‘‘We’ve lost a few of our regular 12s so we’re going to have to do something there that’s a little bit different whether it’s structure in our play or set-up in our personnel.’’

Cooper is yet to sign with a Super Rugby side for next season, but has been linked with a return to his old stomping ground at the Queensland Reds.

The Melbourne Rebels are also interested in the mercurial playmaker, although any announcement on his domestic future appears to have been put on hold as the Wallabies look to stay alive in this year’s Bledisloe Cup.

Last year’s World Cup winners are chasing a 41st straight win on home soil, and Cheika described Saturday’s second Test in Wellington as the biggest test of his coaching career.

‘‘A lot of people are going to think the same result is going to happen and I understand that,’’ Cheika said.

‘‘It’s up to us to prove otherwise. It’s a big stage and it’s a big challenge for us because like I said the criticism from the [first test] performance is very warranted.’’