Wallabies flyhalf Cooper returns as Gordon, Lolesio go head-to-head

SYDNEY : Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper played his first meaningful minutes of rugby for more than nine months in Japan at the weekend, while coach Eddie Jones watched two other contenders for the gold number 10 shirt go head-to-head in Melbourne.

Jones has made it clear since his return as coach that Cooper is very much in his plans for the World Cup later this year, but which other flyhalves will be in his squad for France is a matter of some conjecture.

The 35-year-old has been sidelined since rupturing his Achilles tendon in August last year but played the first half of Hanazono Kintetsu Liners' 36-14 win over Urayasu D-Rocks in the Japan Rugby League One promotion/relegation playoffs on Sunday.

Playing alongside his long-time halfback partner Will Genia, Cooper helped Kintetsu to a 19-7 halftime lead as they took a big step towards retaining their place in the top flight for next season.

"It was a great feeling being back out there," Cooper said in a Twitter post.

"Was nice to be part of the win and continue the journey another week. Felt good physically and clocked my third fastest accelerations in the four years I've been at this club, which is a good sign, and also my second best top speed."

Jones selected Ben Donaldson, who won his first two caps on last year's November tour, and the uncapped Carter Gordon in his first training squad last month, snubbing 17-cap flyhalf Noah Lolesio.

Donaldson has had a difficult season with the underperforming New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific, initially shunted to fullback and failing to impress when an injury to Tane Edmed won him back the number 10 shirt.

Lolesio clearly thought he had a point to prove to the watching Jones on Sunday when his ACT Brumbies took on