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Brother of former All Black Greg Cooper, Matthew was a big, hard running fullback who made his full international debut at the age of 25 against Ireland in Wellington, some five years after he had first tasted life in the All Black squad. Indeed, Matthew had actually played for New Zealand in two matches on their tour of Japan in 1987, but then had to chalk up some hard yards in club and provincial rugby before eventually getting his chance in the big time. Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Cooper boldly remarked before his first test that he was "aiming to score twenty points in the test". The prediction proved to be no idle boast and he netted a record breaking haul of points for a debutant in New Zealand's 59-6 destruction of the men in green. Of that total, Matthew contributed twenty-three, including two tries, six conversions and a penalty - talk about making up for lost time! Despite that impressive debut, Matthew was not called on for the Bledisloe Cup series, but did get to face South Africa in a long awaited rematch later in the season. The following year Matthew played in both of New Zealand's victories against the British Lions and was selected to tour the UK in the Autumn. With Grant Fox unavailable, Matthew was given the kicking responsibilities again and he had a fine game against Scotland at Murrayfield, notching up another fourteen points. However, injury in that match ruled him out of the big one a week later, England at Twickenham, and his kicking was sorely missed. Coach Laurie Mains responded to the setback by moving Jeff Wilson to fullback and the youngster had a shocker, missing five of eight kicks. The last of Matthew's eight tests came in a 23-20 defeat by the French in Auckland a year later. (Jon Collins)
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