Cooper misses Rebels loss to Brumbies

Quade Cooper's Melbourne Rebels debut was put on hold by an injury that forced him out of the 52-38 trial loss to the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.

A knee niggle picked up late in the week ruled former Queensland Reds five-eighth Cooper out of the entertaining pre-season match on Saturday, adding to a number of Wallabies players who weren't involved.

The Brumbies scored eight tries to six in the 90-minute contest played in hot conditions.

Their first three went to Test outside centre Tevita Kuridrani, who made a sparkling return to rugby in his first game for six months.

Kuridrani hadn't played since injuring his pectoral muscle in last season's final Super Rugby match and produced a performance that suggested he'll push hard for a return to the Wallabies fold.

Fellow-midfield Len Ikitau crossed twice as the Brumbies backline, in particular, impressed.

Both teams fielded a host of new faces, including veteran Test prop James Slipper, who was solid in his first appearance for the Brumbies since finishing at the Reds.

One of the better Rebels performers was three-Test lock Matt Philip, who this week extended his contract to the end of 2021.

The Brumbies and Rebels will square off again in Canberra in the opening round of Super Rugby, on February 15.