Cooper will be fit for Cup: White

Wallabies halfback Nic White has backed Quade Cooper to make a full recovery from his ruptured Achilles tendon and return in time for next year’s World Cup.

The gifted five-eighth suffered the devastating injury in Australia’s stirring 41-26 comeback win over Argentina in Mendoza on Sunday.

The 34-year-old will miss the rest of the 2022 season at the very least but has 13 months to get ready for the 2023 World Cup in France, which would likely be his international swansong.

‘‘He’s a pretty measured guy,’’ White told reporters yesterday.

‘‘He’s seen it all throughout his career. He’s one of the most professional guys I have come across, where he’s at the moment.

‘‘The lows don’t get him too low and the highs, he certainly doesn’t ride them. He’s a very consistent guy with his emotions and he was in pretty good spirits considering the injury that he just had, already talking about the path that he’s happy to take on.’’

Cooper doesn’t have to look too far for inspiration. His close friend Sonny Bill Williams ruptured his Achilles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and was back playing Super Rugby eight months later and for the All Blacks in 10.

Cooper, who is playing his club rugby in Japan, wrote on Instagram that he was ‘‘ready and prepared’’ for the arduous rehabilitation ahead.

Achilles tears are one of the worst and most debilitating injuries an athlete can suffer.

‘‘Doesn’t mean it will be easy but I know I’ve prepared myself for the challenge ahead by building systems and habits to guide me through each obstacle on my path. Want to thank both my team-mates and the Argentinian players for their support and care when I got injured,’’ Cooper said.