Adam Ashley-Cooper, Centre/Fullback for the Qantas Wallabies, talks rubgy and travel: how he prepares for a match, rookies and opponents to look out for, culinary indulgences and top holiday picks.
Five foods I shouldn’t eat but love...
Peppermint chocolate, Peanut M&Ms, cookies and cream ice cream, Four n’ Twenty pies and bacon and egg Mcmuffins from Maccas… but don’t tell our nutritionist!
When I am not playing rugby or training I am…
Out on a Jet Ski, fishing or surfing.
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Player Profile
One place I haven’t been but would go tomorrow if I could…
New York City.
What do you do to prepare yourself before a match? I like to go to a movie the night before a game, especially if we are on tour. That gets me out of the team hotel, while also giving me the opportunity to concentrate on something other than the game. The trick is to relax as much as you can. A coffee on game-day with either the whole, or some of the team, also helps everyone relax.
What do you to do unwind after a match? Enjoy the company of team-mates.
Opponents to watch out for? The Investec Super 14 has shown that this year’s Tri-Nations is going to be super-competitive.
Rookies to watch out for?
James O’Connor has been brilliant. He might only be 18 but he’s got great talent. Of the New Zealand guys, I liked the look of the Blues winger Rene Ranger. He and Zane Kirchner, the Bulls fullback, could be the bolters to look out for at some stage during the year for New Zealand and South Africa respectively.
Any city you are particularly looking forward to playing in this year? Looking forward to playing in Brisbane again. I got a try in the game against the All Blacks up there last year. My Mum lives up there also, so playing in front of her will be a big deal.
Past match highlights that are special to you?The first Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney last year when we beat the All Blacks. Nights like that are great for the game and pull the whole country together behind the game. Beating England at Twickenham, where I was lucky enough to get our try, was also brilliant. It was my first time playing at the ground.
My favourite hometown hangout...The Kingston Grind Café in Canberra. It tends to be the meeting point for a lot of the Brumbies guys after training. They serve great coffee!
My favourite on the road hangout...Giovanni’s Café in Cape Town. Cape Town is a tourist Mecca but Giovanni’s is one of its best kept secrets!
My favourite family holiday destination...Manyana on the south coast of New South Wales.
My favourite relaxation destination...
I can’t go past Koh Samui in Thailand.