Cooper will come back stronger, says Genia

Australia scrum half Will Genia heaped praise on teammate Quade Cooper after the fly half's disappointing World Cup ended in injury.

New Zealand-born Cooper, who has been tagged 'public enemy No.1' during the tournament, enjoyed a rare round of applause from the home fans when he hobbled off with a knee injury in the 22nd minute of the Bronze Final on Friday.

"It's obviously a change from all the booing," said Genia after Australia claimed third place with a 21-18 win over Wales at Eden Park.

Genia believes 23-year-old Cooper will return a stronger player after a tournament marked by uninspired performances and bad press.

"In terms of his character, he showed a lot," said Genia. "He showed a lot of guts and a lot of character. He'll be much better for it.

"Obviously the way he finished with that injury is disappointing, but he'll come away a better person."

The early suggestions were that Cooper had suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Head coach Robbie Deans said: "He's aware that it is a significant injury but with technology these days he'll come back good to go."

Proud but disappointed

Genia admitted third place was still somewhat disappointing for Australia. "Obviously we came here with the ambition to win and I guess in that sense we failed."

It was a sentiment echoed by New Zealander Deans, who was nevertheless happy to finish RWC 2011 with a win.

"I'm very proud of the lads, they had to work hard," he said. "There were lots of distractions but they stuck to it.

"We came to the tournament to win but we were not good enough by some distance to New Zealand. They played great rugby and we wish them well in the next game."

Wallabies flanker David Pocock, one of the players of the tournament, also found it hard to sound upbeat despite the victory, saying: "You're not in the Final but it's the best you can do."

But Australia wing James O'Connor found it easier to look for positives. "Credit to the boys for the performance tonight," he said.

"We made up for the loss (against New Zealand) and we did what we failed to do in the semi-finals. We played good rugby."