Former Test coach John Connolly has called for the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to ban disgruntled playmaker Quade Cooper for 12 months for his "unforgivable" criticism of the Wallabies.
On a day when his coaching successor Robbie Deans said he'd started rebuilding bridges with Cooper, Connolly tipped the ARU to punish the star five-eighth in the next week over claims of a toxic environment in the Wallabies.
Cooper's future in the code is on thin ice following a series of attacks on the code and the Wallabies' boring style of play, and his reluctance to wear the gold jersey until things changed.
Connolly, who took Australia to the 2007 World Cup and previously coached Queensland through their successful 1990s era, said the attacks simply couldn't be tolerated.
"It's unforgivable what Cooper did," Connolly told Radio Sport New Zealand.
"You can't imagine one of the All Blacks criticising (coach Steve) Hansen and the game.
"It's just ridiculous what's happened and I hope (the ARU) do make a strong statement. He's said he doesn't want to play for his country - well then that's fine.
"I don't think you treat the Wallabies coach or the country or the jersey or speak about the game the way he did without some severe ramifications - maybe a 12-month suspension from the game."
High-level talks between the ARU and Queensland Rugby Union over Cooper's issues are expected to be held this weekend and the matter is certain to be discussed at next week's ARU board meeting.
While sidelined by a knee injury, Cooper is determined to play on for the Queensland Reds - who boast an 87 per cent success rate in the past three seasons with him at No.10 - but he first needs to sign an ARU contract.
Deans on Friday said he'd spoken to the 24-year-old this week and would talk to him again in the days following Saturday night's Bledisloe clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Asked if he was confident there would be a resolution, Deans nodded.
Cooper's absence from the national team - on top of injuries to fellow playmakers James O'Connor and Berrick Barnes and halfback Will Genia - prompted reports Australia were considering calling Matt Giteau and Luke Burgess into their European tour squad.
NZN
