By Spiro Zavos
April 4th 2008 @ 4:01am
Is James O’Connor the new Tim Horan?
I was watching the Fox Sports presentation of the recent Hong Kong Sevens and a blond-haired, young Australian player caught my eye, and the eye of the commentators.
He was chunky, dynamic, had a great step, ran hard and straight when forcing gaps, passed nicely and was generally abrasive and positive in his play.
He reminded me of the time I went out to Concord Oval with the great rugby columnist Evan Whitton to watch the Australian Schoolboys play the Irish Schoolboys.
A blond-haired inside centre took an inside cut, straightened and then shot, as if jet-propelled, in a dazzling 70m run to the Irish tryline.
We looked at each other the way explorers do when they discover something remarkable. The name on the program of the flashing star was Tim Horan.
At Hong Kong, the flashing new star was named by the commentators as James O’Connor, 18, recruited from school by the Western Force.
Judging by his Hong Kong Sevens form, it must only be a matter of time, late this year perhaps, or next season, for O’Connor to front up in the Force’s backline.
If the promise evolves into performance in the 15-man game, there is a delicious prospect ahead of Force supporters, and Wallaby fans, in due course, of a Giteau-Connor five-eighths combination.
The other point of interest at Hong Kong, and at the IRB Adelaide Sevens, is the wonderful way the New Zealand Sevens side plays and wins its matches.
This outstanding side, surely one of the great teams in world sport right now, has won the last seven IRB Sevens tournaments.
There is only one player in the squad who may be a future star in the 15-man game – Victor Vito, a big (112kg and 194cm), fast and skillful winger in Sevens and flanker in the 15-man game.
In the crucial semi-final against Fiji, Vito chased and caught the first four kick-offs. This enabled New Zealand to annihilate Fiji.
Gordon Tietjens coaches the NZ Sevens side, and he must be in the running for rugby’s coach of the year.
Every tournament the New Zealand side brings a new tactic or play, all of them perfectly executed. At Hong Kong, for instance, it was chasing and catching the kick-offs.
What will the new tactic be at Adelaide? Will the stars like O’Connor and Vito shine? And will NZ make it eight tournament wins in a row?
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(45)
sheek said | April 4th 2008 @ 8:00am | Report comment
Well, if he can play like Tim Horan, & share his surname with another O’Connor (Michael) who didn’t play rugby union for long enough, & is a good centre like both T.Horan & M.O’Connor were, then the world is James O’Connor’s oyster.
Now all we need is another flyhalf named Ella……….
Ara said | April 4th 2008 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Sevens rugby is awesome to watch and a great development tool! Unfortunately there is very poor coverage in both free to air TV (zilch) and Foxtel (minimal). I remember the Sydney Svens of the late 80’s and it had great crowd support. In fact when Hong Sevens started Australia was the pre-eminent team in the Comp with Fiji! The Commonwealth Games Sevens was also a great success and I was surprised that Adelaide won the rights to host the sevens rather then Sydney or Brisbane!
Reg said | April 4th 2008 @ 9:49am | Report comment
Good call with O’Connor = Horan. But I have heard Rob Horne described as the next Horan as well. And Matt To’ouma as the next Lynagh. And that’s not mentioning the likes of Afusipa Taumoepeau, Aidan Toua, Talalelei Gray, Damien Fitzpatrick or Jake Schatz. And of course there is Joseph Tomane who switched to the dark side and is at the Storm. Nup, there is no denying that last year’s Schoolboys team had an outrageous number of skillfull players. Players you would almost bank your house on playing significant roles in pro rugby. I saw them play in wet weather at Ballymore v the Poms, and they were fairly poor (except for O’Connor who came off the bench to spark the team and set up their match winning try with a length of the field effort). They did beat their New Zealand counterparts, so they proved themselves a special team then. When you consider the names of the previous year’s Schoolboys team as well (Beale, Cooper, BEtham, Palmer, Simmons) its heartening to see the players our schools system is producing.
Vincent said | April 4th 2008 @ 10:17am | Report comment
Ara, I agree with you about the coverage, the last two times I have watched the IRB sevens on foxtel I stumbled upon it as i was flippin through channels about to retire to bed or go to the gym, I could be wrong but it does not even appear in the foxtel guide. granted I was glued to the tv for the whole 2 hour coverage. Its a spectacle that needs more coverage and more exposure.
Sam Taulelei said | April 4th 2008 @ 10:17am | Report comment
Last night after watching Inside Rugby my wife mentioned that it’s not too good for Australian rugby with no teams in the top four of the Super 14. I replied that I wouldn’t be too despondent as the future of Australian rugby is bright with the talented youngsters who will come through in the next couple of seasons and replace many of the old guard. NZ rugby went through the same pain for 5 years from 1998 – 2003 although not necessarily at Super 12 level.
I could never understand why Australia didn’t place enough emphasis on developing talent through sevens rugby. Other countries have done so with success, particularly NZ.
Ara I remember the Sydney 7’s tournament well, it was one of the big tournaments on the circuit at the time and great preparation for the Hong Kong tournament. That era of sevens rugby was my favourite as players could still play both forms before 7’s became specialised and it was great to see stars from the 15’s version playing sevens rugby. This rarely happens today.
LeftArmSpinner said | April 4th 2008 @ 10:17am | Report comment
Spiro, don’t forget Rob Horton, just out of school and in the Tahs senior squad. He is a very compact strong player, good step, good hands and a good pass. Not sure about his kicking game.
To me, he is going to play an important role in coming seasons if the Tahs do start playing real rugby. Burgess, Beale, K-N, Horton, Turner, Tahu (given time) and Mafi. looking good, if they get a go and have the right playing strategy.
stillmissit said | April 4th 2008 @ 1:36pm | Report comment
Who’s is going to make sure this batch of wunderkind do not get neglected and lost overseas, due to shortsighted coaches who give them 2 runs then, if they dont live up to expectations or they dont like their attitude dump them.
I am sure that these youngsters are in some sort of state based academy and being groomed to take over – is this true?
If not then its another thing for O’Neils do list.
haydenl said | April 4th 2008 @ 2:15pm | Report comment
NO Spiro don’t do it. the last kid you anointed has got severe second season syndrom (Josh Holmes). Hopefully the Force can hang onto the youngster and give him some solid game time next year. If the Force hold onto Conner, Pocock and Hocking there is the basis for a great future.
Fox said | April 4th 2008 @ 3:29pm | Report comment
Ah, the curse of the annointed. Let it not be so again!
Sheek – I thought Beale was the new Ella? Oh sorry, that was another beat up from two years back.
Davo said | April 4th 2008 @ 10:21pm | Report comment
If I’m not mistaken Giteau also was a standout in a pretty poor Australian 7s team at the Hong Kong event about 5-6 years back…..memory is vagu, the beer does flow at that particular event. That same tournament Brent Russell was the star for South Africa and went on to play for the Springboks in 15-aside rugby within 12 months. So there is some precedent, and let’s hope O’connor has a career more like Horan’s and Giteau’s and less like Russell’s which was was as quick as he was
Ian Noble said | April 5th 2008 @ 4:23am | Report comment
Spiro
Gordon Tietjens deserves all the accolades for his success over a number of years. It is a pity that some countries and I include England in this critciism do not take the IRB series more seriously and develope a high quality 7’s team to challenge NZ and others. Fior the HK 7’s England squad of 12 was made up of Gollings, ok one of the highest points scorers in 7s, currently playing for Sunnybank? in OZ, Andy Vilk and others who ply their trade in NL 1 or lower. including the British Army plus 5 members of the U20 England squad.
Ok they beat Samoa in the pool but personally I think it is disrespectful to the series and now I hear that one of the U20’s has been wiithdrawn from the squad for Adelaide to play this weekend for his club. Ryan the coach had only 5 days to prepare his squad for HK, quite inadequate when playing 7’s teams who have been together for years. Described by the RFU has being a great opportunioty to blood young players into the intimidating atmosphere of an international tournament, but is that the real purpose of the IRB series?
Greg said | April 5th 2008 @ 9:50am | Report comment
Spiro
Perhaps we all got carried away with Josh Holmes. The sight of a young guy of that size, willing to play halfback…it’s no wonder we were blown away. The question is whether J.H. has the explosive, fast-twitch muscle you need from that position. Sam Harris has the very same question mark over his head.
I’m really pleased you’re looking at the future, Spiro. If this young guy (and please let us all remember how young he is), has a chance to stamp himself on the game, with anywhere near the impact of Horan, we need to consider a few points. Horan, even at a young age, had extreme speed off the mark which also marked amazing strength through the tackle – perhaps because of a slightly low centre of gravity, and that very unusual mix of sprinters’ explosion and a capacity for endurance/very high work-rate. He had a solid build, but all of it bloody hard muscle. Like an old farmer. Nathan Gray, but FAST. This is a rare, rare phenomenon. Rare, I tell you. He was the absolute pinnacle of inside centres, at least of his generation. When was he ever turned in a tackle? Was he ever gutless? Never. Ultimate team player.
Sam’s remarks I agree with. It must follow that this is the most crucial period that Aus rugby has faced. With all this talent, what will the ARU do? Because, let’s be frank, the RL boys want this RU generation, and the ARU are juggling powder kegs if they treat the situation lightly.
Back on James O’Connor; Spiro, what position do you think he is suited for? Inside centre? I think the ‘blueprint’ for a brilliant inside centre has changed since Horan; for instance, side stepping with unsual speed has become more important, on top of all the traditional skills required.
By the way, have we seen the ultimate modern inside centre? I don’t think Brian O’Driscoll fits the bill.
I’m rambling, but I think the inside centre position has changed more than any other in the backline over the last 5 years. Thoughts?
Greg.
eric said | April 6th 2008 @ 8:55pm | Report comment
Josh Holmes played for the Brumbies last Friday night, but he needs to play with a lot more energy/urgency in my view. However, that Horne kid that came on for the Tahs, wow, he is promising. Thankfully Ewen may not have time to stuff him up.
Harry said | April 6th 2008 @ 9:50pm | Report comment
I think we have to acknowledge that its going to be very rare these days for players to go from school to professional test rugby while still a teenager like Horan. But lets look at the enourmnous backine talent coming through; Tahs – Horne, Turner, Beale, Reds – Cooper, Lucas, Brumbies – Fiaanga (spelling I know), Holmes, the 2 halves they poached from BSHS last year, Force- O’Conner and another 18 year old, doube-barelled surname. You have to be optimistic.
That said, we are of the pace in the Sevens (Kenya are ahead of us in the seasons standings) and need to make sure some of these excellent young players get a season or two playing sevens before they get thrust into S14. I’m sure they would benefit in the long run.
Greg, one way of describing the ulimate inside-centre is to say he could just as easily play 10 or 13. Horan could – in my mind the best 12 there has been, the Irish might disagee though (Mike Gibson)
LeftArmSpinner said | April 6th 2008 @ 11:05pm | Report comment
Harry, don’t forget Burgess, 24, Afeaki (22), Barnes, Beetham (19), Lealiifano (20), Toomua (18), Taumoepeau (19). All have played S14 this season. Its looking good if they are given a go!!!
haydenl said | April 7th 2008 @ 8:31am | Report comment
Saw Conner play in the 7’s against Canada. First touch he broke two tackles. Second touch he made about 40m metres through and around defenders before offloading beautifully to Shawn Mackay (?) to score a very important try. Commentators and I were very very impressed. He has class written allover him.
stillmissit said | April 7th 2008 @ 10:19am | Report comment
Harry,leftarm and haydenl
I think we cant be too formulaic. A good coach can tell if a young player can step up or at least is worth a try at that level. We cant just store them in 7’s and come to collect them in 2 years. I don’t believe 7’s isnt a great introduction to the 15 a side game. It should be taken seriously as it is a game in its own right and not just an adjunct to the 15 a side game. Watching the sevens last night you realise that the players dont have to use a lot of strength and it’s there speed and guile that is the main attributes.
Look at how SA has introduced Francois Steyn, they know he is a great talent and as a young man, 20 I believe, they know he will make mistakes but also win games for you. We need to be able to make the most of them and put faith in this amazing bunch of young men, possibly the greatest group Australia has ever had (Sheek comment?) and if Robbie Deans and the rest of the coaches handle them correctly we are facing our best era ever.
Remember we only have them for a maximum of 10 years. Times ticking lets get going.
Harry said | April 7th 2008 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
I take your point Stillmissit but I still think a season or two in Sevens would help them develop as players far more than being chucked into S14 – which is a high quality level of rugby, better than many test matches I’d contend – too soon, where all of a sudden they have far less time and have to tackle, and be tackled by, the likes of Jerry Collins and Schalk Burger – a bit of a step up from the Brisbane or Sydney Grammar backrowers taking time out from going for gold in their HSC’s, that they were carving up the season before
In my opinion Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper for instance should never have played S14 last year or even this year – they would have been far better playing a season of club rugby and the Sevens circuit before going into the S14.
Similarly Lachlan Turner and Josh Holmes are great talent but have been far quieter this year than last year – but both are still only 20 and need nurtuing before playing S14.
Some players – like Steyn and Horan – can go direct from school into test rugby. But the majority, no matter how talented, still need time to develop.
stillmissit said | April 7th 2008 @ 1:26pm | Report comment
Harry
The second year is always the hardest if you have talent, the opposition is going to work on you. You have to have the skills to get through this year still in contention not to dominate. That should come in their 3rd year.
I think over the last 7 years we have been too conservative and lost a lot of young talent either overseas or who have given the game away. My dislike for Eddie Jones in this department (and most departments as most guys have heard before) knows no end.
I don’t believe we should just throw them in the deep end and if they can’t swim dump them. We have done a fair bit of that in the past. Pat Howard’s introduction to the Wallabies was a disgrace. One test v NZ at 5/8 in atrocious conditions in Dunedin and then dumped for a fair while. Still managed to get 20 Wallaby starts. Scott Bowen was a talented 5/8 I thought, was also poorly handled and managed only 9 tests.
Robbie Deans does appear to know how to handle young talent and how to blood them properly. It’s the S14 coaches that worry me and they have to get through that before they can make it to the national team. The days of picking a Kearns or a Farr-Jones from 2nd grade club rugby is over unfortunately.
BTW Harry these players would have to play club rugby and that is a very physical game. Basically they have to have the bone structure and hardness to handle this game at the top and if they don’t it’s better they find out earlier than later. There again there is always a Mortlock who proves this theory wrong.
Harry said | April 7th 2008 @ 4:31pm | Report comment
Stillmissit iIwas going to use Dan Carter as an example of someone who wasn’t chucked in the deep end as a teenagaer – they (Deans) held him back at both the Crusaders and the All Blacks until his early twenties (may have done themselves out of the 03 World cup in the process mind you!) and look at the results – hard to argue he hasn’t been the best back in the world in the last 4 years. I think too much responsibility and pressure has been placed on Beale, Cooper and Barnes while they were all in their teens and as a consequence they have all suffered as players.
Of course the other point is that the Crusaders had the luxury of having Merhtens as the incumbent 5/8th, whereas the Tahs and the Reds have been desperate for a playmaker i.e. the new Mark Ella/Michael Lynagh.
Agree 100% re Eddie Jones. What a disaster he was for Australian rugby.
Vincent said | April 9th 2008 @ 4:12pm | Report comment
my partner and I were in Adelaide for the sevens and made a point to watch this young talent James O’Connor, weren’t we amazed that he is only 17!!?? What talent?! We noticed how he never stopped trying and his lines of running and ability to evade defenders was a pleasure to watch. Hopefully we can see some of him sometime soon, I understand he is signed with the western force and reading the daily telegraph today we might just get a chance to watch him this weekend.
I am from Kenya so quite pleased to see the Kenyans getting increasingly succesful in the rugby sevens. The problem I think is usually consistency because the team all either work or study and cannot totally dedicate their full attention to rugby as professional teams of paid career rugby players from other countries do. I spoke to some of the Kenyan players on Sunday night after the tournament and the team they fielded was not full strength as some of the preffered players had to go back to Kenya for work and study commitments after the Hong Kong Sevens or after different stages of the Sevens circuit. With Virgin Atlantics new sponsorship we are at the fringes of beginning real professionalism in rugby in Kenya. I look forward to this unearthing Kenya as a true (or should I say consistent) rugby sevens force. That said, Kenya being 5th on the IRB ladder is not a bad place to be considering the esteemed company of the likes of New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa.
samantha said | April 9th 2008 @ 9:17pm | Report comment
i was at the adelaide sevens this year and watching o’connor play was fantastic but after the game when most of the people had left i went down and had a chat with some of the aussie player including o’connor. he was interesting and i hope with his natural ability and great personality that he goes far
Hori said | April 16th 2008 @ 11:00pm | Report comment
James O’Connor has always had a very good step on him to evade defenders. A natural footballer that has talent but not the next Tim Horan nor Matt Giteau. He does have natural flair but whether he has fixed up his passing and kicking game will be crucial to his success.
Alot of speed which will impress people but very raw at this stage. He will turn 18 sometime this year but a person that we all should watch out for is Matt Toomua. A prococious talent and has been for some time.
O’Connor is a former league player aswell before making the switch to the 15 man game
Bob McGregor said | April 25th 2008 @ 12:26pm | Report comment
I’ve been impressed with the development and talent of our younger national sides for about 4 years and think I’m on record in the Roar way back, stating we had to embrace youth to rejuvenate the Wallabies ASAP. We failed to grasp the nettle – nor had we the courage to act in time for the last RWC in France. Was very vocal in these pages for some time especially championing the selection of Robbie Deans. Once selected and aware of the deep talent pool coming through, it was time to let the cream of the rising talent impress us on the field. This they are doing in spades and guided by Deans they will evolve into future Wallaby stars before their natural flair and talent is coached out of them.
What a revelation Luke Burgess has been since selected to Tah’s run on side. If we can bottle that form and he can remain sound [hasn't played much over past few years due injury according to media] then I think we have seen the next Wallaby half. What I specifically like about him has been his vision on the paddock. Rarely takes a wrong option and if he does rectifies same immediately. What further encourages me are reports Deans has an open mind about our emerging talent.
Makes me salivate about the next 4 years of OZ Rugby, possibly 10 years and beyond. Bring it on.
LeftArmSpinner said | April 25th 2008 @ 2:07pm | Report comment
bob Mcgregor, have a look at this roar article. it is very much along the lines of you posting today.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2008/04/22/wallabies-are-going-back-to-the-future/
Chris said | April 29th 2008 @ 10:23pm | Report comment
O’Connor played WA club rugby for Cottesloe on the weekend in a game featuring a handful of force players. He was by far and away the best player on the park. He will jump Beale and make the Wallaby squad for the next world cup. He has it all and is a good kid with a good mentality at training.
LeftArmSpinner said | April 30th 2008 @ 8:41am | Report comment
Chris, don’t go with one or the other. Consider them all. Injuries dictate that you need more than one in each position.
9: Burgess/Lucas/Holmes, 10: Giteau/Beale/Cooper, 12: Barnes/Cooper/O’Connor, 13: O’Connor/Horne. And that is just for starters. There are plenty more where they came from: Liliafano; Afiaki; Cummins, Mafi, ++++++. Just need a front row.
Bob McGregor said | April 30th 2008 @ 10:09am | Report comment
LHS,
Good point about depth requirements but could argue with you about order you used for some backline positions. I’m still hoping Mortlock will be around. I could envisage him as a Harry Wells type centre [1950/60's League centre who set Reg Gasnier up for many tries in Tests of that era] who has the strength to off load in the tackle to set us the abundance of speed and talent coming through.
Holmes appears slower in moving the ball this year – hope that is function of Brumbies style requirements previously dictated there by Gregan rather than added [?] bulk slowing him down, as I still believe his vision around the field is excellent. Apart from incident where he was stripped of the ball at base of ruck by the Chiefs for run away try, his 2 try haul close to maul earlier and beautifully timed/positioned pass to put 5/8 in between posts last game was great to see. What I particularly like about both Burgess and Holmes is they have VISION around the field. They will set up many opportunities. What is now required is for other backs/forwards to “sense” these opportunities and move to support them and not “sit” back and cheer them on as so often seems to happen. We need speed to back these moves as far more tries will result. Lachie Turner for one needs to sense these moves much earlier as he will score many more tries when he does.
Beale’s vision last game with his “box” kick for Carter’s try was a gem. He gets better each game no doubt due to better service from Burgess. Hopefully his kicking will get better as well. His style causes a curve in the flight of the ball – especially when on RHS of the field thereby “reducing” angle at the posts. Perhaps he should “copy” Alan Donald’s kicking technique [Chiefs 5/8]. He has almost eliminated the curve in flight and the results show.
I continue to salivate about our prospects for the next 10 years and reason depth of talent across ALL positions is crucial to maintain standards.
Chris said | April 30th 2008 @ 10:20pm | Report comment
O’connor for 10 not 13.
9: Burgess/Holmes, 10: O’Connor/Beale/Cooper, 12: Giteau/Barnes, 13: Cross/Horne.
But yeah front row????
stillmissit said | May 1st 2008 @ 8:23am | Report comment
Guys how come you have almost all put Berrick Barnes at inside centre? I still have him as the Australian 5/8th and leave Giteau at 12 as I believe he shows more maturity than any of the other youngsters around and has great defensive ability. We need a 5/8th both this year and over the next one who has all the skills and not just the passing and backing up. In two years time who knows all of these boys show enormous talent.
jools-usa said | May 2nd 2008 @ 7:26am | Report comment
Stillmissit.
Agree with next ten years. We either make it or RL takes our talent.
Don’t have the figures but didn’t RU take audiences away from RL in the winning 90’s?
Hopefully, RFU will roar back (under ELVs), and Deans & other new Super 14 coaches.
On a personal note, I need ten more good years before better half stuffs me into that
“oldies” home where I can’t set the alarm & watch a 3:30am Antipodes game
Jools-USA
stillmissit said | May 2nd 2008 @ 11:41am | Report comment
Jools you are right about the great strides we made in establishing RU in the 90’s. I think some people thought it was a fait accompli after the 2003 WC and decided we didn’t need an O’Neil anymore “We are all capable of being a JON and maybe better” I am sure they thought that. The end result is the mess we have been in.
In sport in Australia you are only ever one big ballsup away from being a tier 2 sport.
My partner thinks I am turning our house into an old people’s home with internet access, to chat to you blokes about rugby matters that don’t matter, according to her -what would she know I ask quietly.
Sam Taulelei said | May 2nd 2008 @ 11:47am | Report comment
Stillmissit
I know what you mean, my wife thought I had signed up to one of those online dating sites or something because I was spending so much time on the internet and checking email. When I explained to her about the Roar she answered “Oh so you are having an affair then, just with a bunch of other rugbyheads”
Ben C said | May 2nd 2008 @ 12:58pm | Report comment
Sam
That is a very disturbing image.
eric said | May 2nd 2008 @ 2:37pm | Report comment
Now you have touched on a sensitive, well hidden problem here…the non-rugby wife. I recently made my wife read that article in another paper, by Terry Smith about Julian Huxley. I was quite moved by it, but my wife said “What do you mean, that cameraderie stuff?” I give up meekly, and move off to search for like minded people at The Roar.
stillmissit said | May 2nd 2008 @ 2:42pm | Report comment
Sam and Ben C
Believe me it’s worse if she is a rugby fan as mine is. She pours scorn on most of my ideas and thinks I am wasting my time talking to you lot presumeably because she knows everything and I should just be talking to her – If I have a problem!
Nice Eh!
Vincent said | May 2nd 2008 @ 2:54pm | Report comment
at this point I am consdering myself lucky in that I’ve just spent the afternoon arguing about super14 tips with my girlfriend…the bonus is that I am ahead of her in the tipping stakes, yet she kicked my arse when I tipped only the Chiefs to beat the Crusaders…so yes..I’m keeping her!
Sam Taulelei said | May 2nd 2008 @ 3:08pm | Report comment
What I can’t work out is how a non rugby follower (like my wife) can still kick my ass when it comes to rugby tipping. I think I’m guilty of overanalysing. Mind you I’m better than her when it comes to AFL tipping so it all balances out.
Ben C said | May 2nd 2008 @ 3:24pm | Report comment
Sam
I’m sorry but I feel that leading an AFL tipping competition is nothing to boast about.
My wife goes to the rugby with me, understands a fair bit about it and is tolerant of my degree of interest (obsession?) She did however put her foot down and not let me bring a television to our reception which was on the night of the 05 Bledisloe Cup. My father did smuggle in a small radio and discretely provided update scores.
Sam Taulelei said | May 2nd 2008 @ 3:37pm | Report comment
Nice one Ben
My wife still holds a sneaking suspicion that when I proposed to her on the night of the second Bledisloe in 2003 when NZ won it back, that it was just because of the sheer euphoria of the win.
My wife does enjoy watching rugby and is becoming quite knowledgeable about the myriad of laws but doesn’t share my obsession with the game or the countless post match repeat viewings.
Good luck all with your tips for the weekend
Vincent said | May 2nd 2008 @ 3:38pm | Report comment
well if its any consolation then I’m last in the tipping comp of Rugby League, she kicks my butt in that big time…I’m getting married next year but I’ve made sure the wedding dates are ’safe dates’..nothing like fidgeting at the altar with pictures of an epic battle of the Bledisloe in the mind… only person who can ruin it is if any of my closest and dearest decide to get married on inappropriate dates..I’m hoping they’ll have the good manners and politeness to change those dates at my request. I wouldn’t call it an obsession..maybe a keen interest…?
stillmissit said | May 2nd 2008 @ 5:19pm | Report comment
During a discussion on ‘what do you do all day’ In my average daily plan I suggested 1-2 hours on the Roar. She nearly choked and said it’s at least 4 and sometimes maybe more.
But that can’t be true can it? Time fly’s when your having fun with a minor obsession. Which is not the case today when I have had to go and dig the garden for 3 hours.
Roll on 5.30.
Burgs said | May 4th 2008 @ 1:21pm | Report comment
Back to topic for a moment…
Well spotted Spiro, young James played out of his skin on “run-on” debut last night against the Chiefs.
Maybe a few blemishes if compared to a seasoned player but for someone still to young to vote I believe he deserves a huge pat on the back for his poise against some huge man mountains in the Chiefs pack and for his willingness to have a crack and play his natural game when outside one of the worlds best players in Giteau.
callum said | July 19th 2008 @ 1:27am | Report comment
give it time. at the moment he needs to force his way into a backline with the likes of giteau, cross, staniforth, shephard and mitchell. once hes done that and then strings together performances then he can be the next tim horan. but tim horan was in view the best there was and best there ever will be at inside centre. no its up to james o’connor to prove me wrong
Chuck said | June 15th 2009 @ 1:34pm | Report comment
Chunky?
The guy is about 80kg soaking wet