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Wallabies coach Robbie Deans issued a stern warning to Quade Cooper and his other injured stars that they can't expect to walk straight back into the starting side for August's Rugby Championship.
Stand-in five-eighth Berrick Barnes starred in Australia's 3-0 whitewash of Wales with two man-of-the-match performances and Deans admits Cooper has his work cut out to win back the No.10 jersey.
Cooper was told by Wallaby medical staff before the June Tests to get more fitness into the knee he ruptured in last year's World Cup semi-final, however he's expected back on the field for Queensland's Super Rugby clash against Melbourne on Friday night.
Deans welcomed the likely headache for the chief playmaker position and hopes James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Joe Tomane and even Lachie Turner can also strengthen the Wallabies heading into the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks on August 18.
"I hope so," said Deans of the selection dilemma between Cooper and Barnes.
"That's fantastic. It's great. It's optimal.
"When (Cooper) left camp there was a series of benchmarks he had to achieve in order to return to play. I understand he's ticked some of them, I don't know if he's ticked all of them yet.
"The next month will be key for them (injured players) no doubt.
"The good thing is no one will be able to amble back into the group now.
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Originally Posted by Burgs
