'I don't think zen operates in Pretoria - it's more brandy and Coke up there'

Returning Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper will line up in Pretoria looking to take his first steps towards the Rugby World Cup, but it’s his rookie rival Manie Libbok who is expecting to be under the most pressure.

The pair are separated by 10 years and 73 matches, with 25-year-old Libbok lining up for his first Test start when the teams open the Rugby Championship on Saturday (Sunday 1.05am AEST).

Cooper has had limited game time in Japan since rupturing his achilles in a Test against Argentina almost a year ago but appears to be the Wallabies’ first choice at 10 for this year’s World Cup in France.

Although he missed the South Africa games in last year’s Rugby Championship, Cooper broke Springbok hearts on the Gold Coast in 2021 when he booted seven penalties including a match-winner after fulltime for a 28-26 scoreline.

He was five-eighth in the most recent Wallabies Test played in Pretoria, in 2016, when the Australians fell 18-10 – one of just five current squad members remaining from that line-up.

The 35-year-old will bring a cool, mature head to the Loftus Versfeld cauldron, where Australia have never won in seven Tests stretching back to 1963.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones joked the No.10’s “zen” calmness wouldn’t wash at the famous ground, where more than 50,000 are expected to roar on the reigning world champions.

Nonetheless, Jones has been impressed with Cooper’s contribution to the squad since his return from injury, including his work with uncapped playmaker Carter Gordon, who has been named on the bench.

“I don’t think zen operates in Pretoria – it’s more brandy and Coke up there,” Jones said.

“But he’s come back into the squad and he’s an experienced player now, added his knowledge.

“And particularly watching him work with Carter, who has continued to impress as well.

“I know we’ll get a good 80 minutes out of that 10 position.”

With World Cup-winnin g Handre Pollard out with a calf injury, Libbok will have h is first start in the No.10 jersey after three Tests off the bench.