by Paul Cook - The last time the Waratahs and the Brumbies clashed in a Super Rugby semi-final back in 2002, a promising young 18-year-old was watching his Uncle, former Wallaby Graeme Bond, run out for the Canberrans. Three years later, Adam Ashley-Cooper was on the big stage himself, making his Super Rugby debut in the nation’s capital and kick-starting a career which has since earned 94 caps for his country and a reputation as arguably the finest utility back in the world game. A leaguie until the age of 15, Ashley-Cooper says the influence of Bond as a role model played a large part in his decision to chase a career in union. “For me, up until I was 17, it was about getting through high school, getting to University and becoming a PE teacher and rugby was