Stalwart primed to even NZ Test ledger

ADAM Ashley-Cooper has read the statistics and he knows they don’t look pretty.

Twenty-one times he has laced up his boots for a Test match against the All Blacks and 16 times he has come off the field on the wrong side of the scoreline.

He’s experienced four wins and a draw – which probably felt as a good as a victory given his record – but there’s one number he is edging towards he will be desperate to avoid.

Ashley-Cooper’s 16 losses to the All Blacks put him fifth-equal alongside former South African lock Victor Matfield on the list of players who have copped the most defeats at the hands of New Zealand.

Nathan Sharpe was on a losing side 20 times to the All Blacks, with David Campese next on 18, while Matt Giteau and George Smith were both dealt 17 losses.

The common themes with the ‘top four’ are they’re all Australian and none are likely to add to their tally in the future given they’re either retired or their international playing days are behind them.

Ashley-Cooper will line up at centre for the Wallabies when they meet the All Blacks in the second Bledisloe Cup Test of the year in Wellington tomorrow night and the 29-year-old is keen to add to his side of the ledger.

“We certainly aren’t lacking motivation. Stats always help and just a win in general (would be great),” Ashley-Cooper said.

“A win over here would be very special.”