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http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/rug...-1226618105924
ROBBIE Deans's decision to overlook Reds star Quade Cooper proved he was trying to "sabotage" Australian rugby, according to former Wallaby Greg Martin.
In a stunning outburst, the Queensland great slammed Deans for holding a grudge against Cooper following the flyhalf's "toxic environment" rant last year.
Cooper, who has not played for the Wallabies since his comments in September, was yesterday left out of Australia's 30-man preliminary camp for the British and Irish Lions Test series, starting in June.
"He is kidding if he's not picking Quade Cooper," Martin told Triple M this morning.
"In other words, Robbie Deans wants to sabotage Australian rugby. This has been a conspiracy on the internet since the (2011) World Cup that he was put in as a Trojan horse to ruin Australian rugby. It's almost getting to the point I say that's true.
"He's made it about who he personally likes, not winning games.
"(Cooper's) not the one sabotaging Australian rugby, it's Robbie Deans."
Martin said Cooper's diamonds-or-rocks playing style was what was needed against the might of the Lions.
"This year Quade started slowly but now he's back with Will Genia they're exceptional," Martin said.
"In 2011 that's how the Reds won their (Super Rugby) championship. They're back together and starting to slay defences.
"(Cooper) is the only way we can beat the British and Irish Lions - everyone else (vying for No.10) is pretty pedestrian or isn't used to Will Genia.
"There are a lot of five-eighths around who can do things to keep you in the game but he does stuff that wins you the game."