Wallabies fullback James O’Connor will get the chance to prove himself at five-eighth in a rejuvenated Western Force outfit for Saturday’s Super 14 clash with the unbeaten Chiefs in Perth.

But O’Connor’s time in the No.10 jersey may be brief, with former All Blacks and Chiefs playmaker David Hill on his way to Perth after agreeing to play out the season with the Force.

O’Connor has been a shining light for the Force over the opening two rounds, starring in losses to the Brumbies and Hurricanes.

Against the Hurricanes last week, the 19-year-old switched from fullback to five-eighth whenever the Force went on the attack.

And with former Waratah Sam Harris enduring two miserable outings in the No.10 jersey, Force coach John Mitchell wants O’Connor to play out the entire match against the Chiefs at five-eighth, with a fit-again Mark Bartholomeusz slotting in at fullback.

“What I’m happy about is he’ll be in one position,” Mitchell said on Thursday.

“He’s had to manage a lot over the last two weeks in terms of a dual role.

“I think it’s important for such a young guy who has carried a lot in the last year to just settle him down and allow him to play one position.”

The short-term signing of former Wallaby Scott Staniforth and the return from injury of outside centre Ryan Cross, winger Nick Cummins and Bartholomeusz has bolstered the Force’s backline for a match the team must win to kick-start their season.

Staniforth, whose deal with the Force was finally approved by the ARU after his Japanese club folded, will start on the right wing, with Cummins on the left wing and Cross at outside centre.

Mitchell said O’Connor’s limited exposure in the No.10 jersey wasn’t a concern.

“He’s an excellent example of a person that is developing and gaining maturity through experience,” Mitchell said.

“He’s the first to admit he’s got a lot to learn and he’s open to learning so it’s important we provide that within our program.

“And it’s important that he’s still surrounded by experienced players so he can gain knowledge and share his experiences with them.”

The match will mark Bartholomeusz’s first Super 14 hit-out for the Force and Mitchell was confident the 32-year-old veteran would show his class.

“He won’t like me saying it but he’s probably the grandad of the team,” Mitchell joked.

“He holds that position very well.

“He comes with enormous amounts of experience.

“He’s very calming, he’s got a lot of composure under pressure and a good head at fullback will be good for the group.”

The Force are still without the likes of Cameron Shepherd (hip), David Pocock (finger) and Richard Brown (shoulder) but the Chiefs have also been hampered by injuries, with All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), lock Craig Clarke (groin) and prop James McGougan (back) ruled out.

© AAP 2012

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