The chippy, niggly customer who used to be New Zealand rugby’s public enemy No 1 seems to have been replaced by a diplomatic character very much at ease with himself and what he can offer his team.
There was a time when Cooper’s name could not be mentioned without an adjective like "mercurial" — a backhanded compliment that effectively meant he could do some flashy stuff but was erratic — or without mentioning that one time he gave Richie McCaw a bit of a tap on the head so deserved every boo he got.
Some off-field issues followed by stints overseas left the lingering feeling one of the most talented Australian rugby players in a generation was not going to leave much of a legacy.
But here he is: 14 years after his first start for the Wallabies, Cooper is 35 and preparing for his 80th test and at peace with whatever he is asked to do for the team.
Listen to the first five talk about the role he has to play as a mentor to rookie Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon.
"He’s a great kid," Cooper said in Dunedin on Thursday.
"We’ve been having great conversations around the game, and where we want to get to in our own journey as Wallabies.
"It’s two ways, you know. Just having conversations, being a sounding board for each other — that’s the best thing about being in a team.
"You have different opinions, you have different skillsets and strengths and weaknesses, and to be able to call on each other and help each other grow, that’s the best thing about being in this team."
Cooper would love to be starting but there is not an ounce of bitterness in his voice when he talks about the Australian squad being united in pursuit of improvement after a rough start to the season.
The bigger picture was building a team that could go to France to win the World Cup.
He played down footage of the loss to the All Blacks last week that showed him talking to the team for several minutes.
"It was just general chit-chat, really.
"We were obviously disappointed in the result, but we also know that this journey is about progress. It’s about getting better and moving in the right direction.
Cooper is a senior man in the team but has seen others given a chance to fulfil captaincy duties.
That did not bother him in the slightest, he said.
"For me, it’s all about being the best I can be, and providing whatever is needed for the team.
"We have many leaders in the team, and a few guys who are older who have made many mistakes. I’m certainly one of those who has made mistakes throughout my life, and I’ve been able to learn from those."
Cooper said it was no fun to be reminded of the fact the Wallabies had endured such a brutal drought, 22 years, since last holding the Bledisloe Cup.
Playing under the roof in Dunedin was a boost, however.
"It’s a beautiful roof. The best conditions to play rugby anywhere in the world.
"We’re glad Dunedin built that stadium. It’s honestly the best place to play. It offers a different type of atmosphere. The surface is unbelievable so the game is always fast."
One last test in New Zealand gives Cooper a chance to rub shoulders with an old mate and adversary.
He joked any statue erected of Highlanders great Aaron Smith would be a small one, but said the peerless halfback was a big presence.
"He’s a great lad. Phenomenal player — probably, in my opinion, the best halfback to have played.
"Aaron is a great dude. I love our interactions. He’s the ultimate competitor but he’s such a smart, switched-on footballer.
"He’s a student of the game. He’s one of the most knowledgeable rugby players.
"I look forward to hopefully having the opportunity to go against him.
"For us, we want to spoil that party, but we have the ultimate respect for him."
