Cooper has failed to endear himself to the Kiwi public because of his running on-pitch battle with All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw and the fact he was born in Tokoroa on the North Island.
But even the Wallabies' eventful World Cup - they have been heavily hit by injuries and only finished runners up in Pool C - has failed to dampen his spirits.
"It's been an experience, to say the least," said Cooper.
"It's obviously had its moments, but this is a competition that comes around once every four years so you've got to make the most of it and soak it up.
"I was sitting on the bus on the way home from training yesterday and I was just having a gaze out the window and thinking how privileged I am.
"Despite what anyone says, or what any person has as an opinion, I'm in a privileged position to be sitting on the bus as part of the Wallabies, as part of the World Cup."
Australia meet South Africa at Wellington Regional Stadium on Sunday in the penultimate of the weekend's quarter-finals.
The Springboks have stressed the importance of containing Cooper, but the 23-year-old Queensland Red is refusing to read too much into their declared intentions.
"If everyone is looking to shut you down and pinpointing you as the focal point of the team, then you've got to take that as a compliment," he said.
"But you can't let that control your ego. Just because all the focus is on you doesn't mean that everyone is focusing on you. It could be a part of their tactics.
"Being in a World Cup shows you how far you're willing to push your body - how far mentally and physically.
"Being in a World Cup quarter-final is definitely going to push your ability physically, but you'll get to test yourself mentally as well."
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
