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* Ashley-Cooper talks of “great buzz” in Wallaby camp
* Team mate Cooper says the environment is “toxic”
By Ken Borland
JOHANNESBURG, Sept 24 (Reuters) – Quade Cooper’s belief there is “a toxic environment” in the camp will not distract Australia ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship test against South Africa, said utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Flyhalf Cooper, who is missing from the squad because of knee trouble, made his outspoken comments at the weekend but his team mate responded on Monday by saying there was a convivial mood in the dressing room.
“This won’t be a distraction for us,” Ashley-Cooper told a news conference in Johannesburg. “There’s a great buzz in the squad and we’re excited to be here.
“We’ve had two good wins in this competition and we feel we’re building as a group.”
Cooper had launched a Twitter outburst against Robbie Deans, venting his frustration at the tactics of the coach of the Wallabies and also at the Australian Rugby Union.
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