Wallabies linchpin Quade Cooper will need to deal with a whole new ball-game in Europe, coach Robbie Deans has warned.

Cooper grew into arguably Australia's most valuable player in 2010, displacing the experienced Matt Giteau from the No.10 jersey and leading the side's attack with his brilliant footwork and passing game.

The 22-year-old has dealt with northern hemisphere conditions before, debuting with a memorable try two years ago in Italy and playing all four grand slam Tests, predominantly at inside centre, on last year's tour.

But Deans said he would need to remind himself he was no longer playing Tri-Nations rugby when the Wallabies take on Wales, England, Italy and France over the next month.

"He'll find the challenge will be different here," Deans said.

"He got an insight into that in our last outing against England in Sydney (a 21-20 loss)."

"We played England and they've been very confrontational, not a lot of movement.

"Teams will choose tactics which suit them and also choose tactics which deny their opposition and England were pretty successful at denying us in Sydney."

Cooper, who has only signed a one-year extension with the Australian Rugby Union for 2011, will be a vital part of the Wallabies' challenge for the the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year.

He was a target of NRL club Parramatta and negotiations on his future beyond 2011 will in all likelihood take place during the World Cup year.

Still capable of the odd clanger, Cooper's undoubted brilliance has made him the key to the Wallabies' recently resurgent attack.

"Quade has played his first Tri-Nations this year and we've got some choice in that position now," Deans said.

"We hadn't had a lot of depth.

"What happens in the future remains to be seen but clearly he's getting an opportunity now and he's a bit like us, we're not the compete package but we're working hard at it."

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