Michael Cheika praises Quade Cooper ahead of South Africa clash

Australia coach Michael Cheika has heaped praise on Quade Cooper ahead of the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship opener later this week.

The 27-year-old is in contention for a starting role at fly-half against South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday after impressing during training.

Cooper has successfully recovered from a long-term shoulder injury which hampered most his Super Rugby season.

"I've been really, really pleased with what he's done so far," Cheika said.       

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"A lot of good energy, a lot of good communication from him in organising troops around him.      

"We've got a lot of different combinations we can play - today he was playing with Matty Toomua next to him, he could be playing with Giteau next to him like he did on Friday.           

"It's probably maybe just having a look and seeing who's playing best together."

Cooper has been in and out of Australia’s side in recent years and faces stiff competition for a place against the Springboks, with New South Wales Waratahs' Bernard Foley also in contention.

Cooper’s club future also remains in doubt, with his proposed move to French club Toulon still to be completed. Cooper’s failure to put pen to paper has only added to speculation that he may feature for Australia’s Sevens side at the Rio Olympics instead.  

The Queensland Reds player is yet to confirm or deny the rumours, saying: "I'm very focused on the Wallabies right now. The future is the future and the past is the past."