Teen James O'Connor looms as likely bolter to fill Wallabies fullback spot

[jargan83]

Teen James O'Connor looms as likely bolter to fill Wallabies fullback spot

May 15, 2009

Teenage sensation James O'Connor has emerged as the surprise solution to the Wallabies' fullback dilemma.

Western Force utility back O'Connor looms as Australia's backline bolter for the start of the domestic Test season as a host of No.15 candidates have struggled to make their mark during the Super 14.

The 18-year-old Gold Coast product has played the bulk of the 2009 season at inside centre for the Force but made his Test debut at fullback last November in Italy and possesses the wide skill set required in the position.

A former fullback himself, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has a tough choice at No.15 with no contender appearing to have the full package for the role.

Complicating matters has been the likes of injury-plagued Cameron Shepherd and Adam Ashley-Cooper, who held the fullback position last year, playing most of the Super 14 on the wing.

Force flyer Drew Mitchell and Brumbies custodian Mark Gerrard have shown some good form but also have question marks over their defence while Waratah Lachie Turner is viewed more as a winger.

While small-statured at 84kg, O'Connor has proven himself a reliable defender and is also strong in contact, highlighted by breaking through several tacklers to score against the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...016959,00.html

[Flamethrower]

While small-statured at 84kg, O'Connor has proven himself a reliable defender and is also strong in contact, highlighted by breaking through several tacklers to score against the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.

Name: James O'Connor
Height: 180cm
Weight: 84kg

Name: Matt Giteau
Height: 178cm
Weight: 84kg

Why is O'Connor always refered to as small-statured??

[jargan83]

I think your letting the facts get in the way......

[mudskipper]

I think your letting the facts get in the way......

maybe they think Giteau is small also...

[James]

JO'C at fullback is bad news. Deansy is unlikely to play all of JO'C, Giteau and Barnes and so that means Barnes won't be in at 12. Barnes is a great 12 and ignoring that it means we will probably end up with Mortlock or Tahu at 12. Bleh! Both of them were average at 12 last year. I must admit I wouldn't mind seeing AAC get another go though- he was awesome against the Barbarians.

[Mr B.Bear]

Would it be correct to assume this may aid the force's attempts to secure him? I mean if he ends up getting a starting role for the Wallabies then that puts the argument to bed about going to the brumbies for a better chance at test selection, specailly when AAC is playing 15?

[normie]

Would it be correct to assume this may aid the force's attempts to secure him? I mean if he ends up getting a starting role for the Wallabies then that puts the argument to bed about going to the brumbies for a better chance at test selection, specailly when AAC is playing 15?

I don't know if it's correct (or safe) to assume anything- however I love your thinking!

[mudskipper]

Would it be correct to assume this may aid the force's attempts to secure him? I mean if he ends up getting a starting role for the Wallabies then that puts the argument to bed about going to the brumbies for a better chance at test selection, specailly when AAC is playing 15?

AAC has just stepped in at 15 when Gerrard was injured; he hasn't played the whole season there. He played 15 last year for the Wallabies as a utility player. When he first started at the Brumbies he played a lot of 15. AAC is really a 13 or 14...

He does what is asked of him by his coach...

[GIGS20]

He does what is asked of him by his coach...

so all his coaches want him to run slow and not chase kicks?