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It looked as though the mentor had deserted his student, but James O'Connor has revelled in the freedom allowed by the off-season departure of Matt Giteau.
He was slated to play centre outside Andre Pretorius to continue his development this year, but the raft of injuries at the start of the season had him installed at full-back and all too often jumping into the line at fly-half in multi-phase plays.
Nicknamed 'rabbit' for his stepping abilities, O'Connor has almost been a revelation at times with his playmaking nous and it looks ever more likely he could slot into the fly-half role on a permanent basis.
"I've definitely matured," the baby-faced 20-year-old told Sportal.
"It's been a big learning curve. Last year Matt Giteau made all the decisions and I played off him. This year, I've jumped into that leadership role and now I understand exactly how the game works."
"The first two seasons [at the Force] I tried to emulate everything he [Giteau] did on and off the field. He was a big part of my rugby. This year I've stepped out and tried to do my own thing. I've enjoyed having that extra pressure and responsibility."
"A big key for me moving to the Force was to play outside Matt Giteau, so when I found out he was leaving it was a tough decision whether I would stay, or try to follow him around. But the Force showed good faith in me and I wanted to return the favour."
O'Connor, who is penned in at the Force until at least the end of the next World Cup, also defended under-fire Force coach John Mitchell, who was accused of pushing Giteau and fellow Wallaby Drew Mitchell out of the Perth-based club during a tempestuous season last year.
"John's an awesome coach. He's direct and tells you exactly how it is," asserted O'Connor.
"There has been a bit of controversy but personally he gives me confidence. When I'd come off the Sevens circuit [2008] and I didn't think I was ready for that level [Super Rugby] he had faith in me and having the backing of an international coach was awesome.
"He always stuck with me when I got into bad habits. He'd give me a kick up the arse and say 'get back to playing your natural game.'
Not only has O'Connor now mastered the arts of full-back and fly-half, he has also proved himself a proficient goal-kicker.
With the team having won the last two matches as some of the injured players return to action, O'Connor is looking forward to a little more freedom as well as some one-on-one testing against the very best.
"We didn't have best game against the Highlanders, but we got the win which shows we are moving in the right direction," the Gold Coast-born flyer said.
"It will be good when we actually open up and unleash as I will get more opportunities for one-on-ones."
As for the prospect of being the last line of defence against the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday with Rene Ranger, Joe Rokocoko and Isaia Toeava charging at you - bring it on.
"It's more excitement [than nerves]. I like playing players that are world-class. You find out what you are made of," he said.
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