O'Connor likely for wing role at Force

[travelling_gerry]

O'Connor likely for wing role at Force

Justin Chadwick, AAP November 2, 2010, 3:56 pm
AAP © Enlarge photo




Western Force head coach Richard Graham is leaning towards playing James O'Connor on the wing this Super Rugby season after the 20-year-old's blistering recent form for the Wallabies.
O'Connor was the hero in Australia's 26-24 win over the All Blacks last week, scoring the final try of the match and nailing the tough conversion from the sideline to lift his side to victory.
The utility was used on the wing, fullback and at five-eighth last season at the Force but Graham indicated he was leaning towards a more permanent role on the fringes for O'Connor.
"At this stage it's hard to argue with a guy that's scored six tries in the last four games. You'd have to say he's doing something right on the wing," Graham said.
"I think the game suits him at the moment.
"He's still a young man and the Wallabies are giving him plenty of space to use those skills."
The Force finished a lowly 13th last season but Graham, who has taken over the reins from John Mitchell, said expectations would be greater in 2011.
"I don't necessarily like the word consolidation," he said.
"We are competitive people and we aspire to achieve good things.
"Everyone starts the season wanting to win it, we are absolutely no different, but at this stage we haven't sat down and set ourselves targets."
The Force started pre-season training on Monday and Graham said there would be a greater focus on individual preparation.
"The staff to player ratio is greater and we certainly want to maximise the potential of the individual," he said.
"So weight groups are smaller, on-field sessions are individualised.
"We've taken that (our high injury toll last season) into account following our review and hope to make the most of it."

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...role-at-force/

[pieter blackie]

I vote for fullback

[James]

I'd like to see Cameron Shepherd back at fullback. I reckon if JO'C is going to be a wing that moves David Smith out of the picture. They'll probably go for a marquee lock or 10.

[robyn <3]

With Spanner out, we need JOC at 12, which is where he really belongs. Cameron at 15, Smith on the wing, Ripia inside JOC, it's a v.classy backline. Giteau's on the way out, and O'Connor needs to make a stand about how much he deserves the gold 12 jersey, and to prove how much better the mentoree is that his mentor

[James]

Yeah slot JOC in at 12. We don't really have any other quality 12s. Fairbanks is ok and maybe Sidey could play 12.

[Tazzmania]

Cannot agree more, slot him into 12, this young man is not scared to step up to the plate and deliver. He just keeps getting better, he played there two years back and with Beale nailing down the fullback role the wallabies also need him to grow and develop and 12 would be a good spot., especailly with Gits struggling a bit a times (never thought I would say that).

---------- Post added at 20:06 ---------- Previous post was at 19:57 ----------

Looks like this kids on a role, it appears that he is about to take over Wallaby kicking duties from Gits.


Giteau quits as Wallaby kicker

[jazza93]

Excellent.

Just like last year, he can slide into first or second receiver at any time. Whenever the force hit the opposition 40 he will probably switch with Fairbanks and move into the inside backs to make a lethal combination with Ripia. Probably more often in the second half though.

[zimeric]

I agree with 12 being his ideal spot but I also dont like this implication that the 12 spot is more important than the wing.. I think the 12 spot is more sppecialised an harder to learn well but a good wing is even more important for winning games
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[GIGS20]

I don't think anybody is saying more important zim, just more busy. I reckon rabbit should play 12 because he'll get his hands on the ball more. That adds up to more excitement in my book. Along with which, we (and the wallabies) are better covered at wing than 12. We could have Smith, Cummins and Shepherd to have an all international back line, or maybe one of thenroughies will get up. Pat Dellit certainly looks to have the quicksilver we need. I don't think there are the options at 12, internationally there's Barnes, but locally?
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[Burgs]

You are better placed for successful outcomes with a weak Wing than a weak Inside Centre though.
Wings are a seperate breed and JO'C isn't of that mould, which is why he is a better Fullback than Wing, he actually looks to do some work and earn a run.
Get the #12 on his back RG.

[James]

The only person I can think of that is unsigned (I think) is Robbie Coleman. Pretty sure he plays mostly 12 and doesn't have a senior contract anywhere. He might not have the experience but he's very talented.

[Burgs]

The only downside on Coleman for the Force is having yet another light(er) weight inside back rather than the point of difference we have had with Stanners, Junior etc for a Plan B.
At 20 and 83kg he isn't going to get much more than another 10kg on him without compromising his speed.

[James]

True.

But Inman is a big unit and Ripia is medium weight we could definitely cope. Plus if Coleman is a 10/12 we could use him as the back up 10.

I'd like so see Nick Cummins come in to 13 so we could always move Mitch Inman in to 12. Bob Coleman on the bench. And a back three of JO'C, Shepherd and maybe get David Smith in as that marquee.

[Burgs]

Getting a little off track I know, but I wonder how long Stefano Hunts' window of opporunity is, whether he needs to be showing some adult form this coming season or if he still considered a development project.

[Burgs]

Getting way off track, hadn't realised he had been given the flick!