The Roar » James OConnor

Rebels will win Super Rugby before the Waratahs

Stuart Fazakerley — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:35:59 +0000

In the business world, managing expectations is a crucial ability. Estimates are supplied to a project manager, who takes into account the resources we have at our disposal, our ability and experience, the complexity of the task at hand, and any potential roadblocks that could stop a timely delivery.

We take this approach because it’s a way of making a commitment without making a commitment.

Save for an extraordinary development either way, you get a result without surprising or disappointing anyone.

The same is quickly becoming true in professional sport. We seek solace in the fact our club is ‘taking it one week at a time’. When they do not publicly identify targets, we are told ‘being up for the challenge’ should suffice. Justifying a game plan becomes ‘doing the simple things right’, opponents are ‘unpredictable’, and unsavoury types ‘colourful’.

It seems an entire language has popped up to lessen the blow of perceived failure, and while this is sensible to a degree, smoothing out the lows can also smoothen out the highs. It can stop people daring to dream.

Let me use my beloved Melbourne Rebels as an example.

In our first year, expectations weren’t really an issue. If the players turned up and tried as hard as they could, the die-hards were thrilled. We finally had the game we loved in Victoria, represented by a group of outstanding young gentlemen who believed in the culture that the club was trying to foster. Our expectation was to begin building something we could be proud of, and in this respect, the Rebels were a raging success.

As the franchise enters its second year, and the new becomes the familiar, a greater spotlight will be shone on the on-field exploits of the Rebels.

The side will, rightly, attempt to manage the expectations of a membership, and a public that is split between appreciating the need for patience, and equating the team’s high-profile recruits with instant success.

Said recruits, on their first day in front of the cameras at their new home, put it perfectly. James O’Connor, when asked about his expectations for the year, stated “[I] don’t want to look too far ahead, but if you look at the training, everything’s coming together really well”.

Kurtley Beale answered the same question with: “We’ll take it game by game and face the challenges ahead of us.”

Both answers are fair enough. How should either player know what to expect when they have just begun playing in a new environment, especially one that has yet to fully define itself?

What happens, though, when these answers become rote? Do we risk mediocrity becoming a par score? It can be argued that both the Western Force and the Waratahs have been victims of expectation over-management. The Force are entering their seventh season without a finals appearance, a fact met with silent chagrin by most Force fans I have encountered, and the Waratahs have the words ‘long suffering’ so ingrained into their culture, they have to hold fan forums to placate their membership, potentially becoming the club with ten thousand coaches.

As I said previously, the problem is not the managing of expectations. It is forgetting the ability to dream.

For those of you who have children in your lives, you’ll understand what I mean. That period, early in their lives, where all you can do is dream of what they might be, of what they could achieve, of all the things they are capable of. I’ve only seen it in cousins of mine, but even then, it’s incredible.

This is what I think the Force and the Waratahs lost, and something I want all Rebels supporters to cling on to, in the nascent stages of our club’s existence. By all means, be realistic in what you expect of the club in the immediate future, but don’t be afraid to dream of what will be.

Here’s one to get you started: I honestly believe the Melbourne Rebels will win Super Rugby before the Waratahs do. We are a well-built club with a second-to-none culture. The fact that we are a private for-profit business directly links successes on-field and successes in the boardroom. We worked long and hard to earn the privilege to enter Super Rugby, and as such, we will not be an also-ran. We are based in the sporting capital of the world, and your average Melbourne punter loves a winner, any winner.

Compare this to a union-run team that sees success in this competition as an entitlement that they have constantly been denied, and the result is a certainty, right?

Maybe it’s not that simple.

It’s possible this belief is just the product of my natural dislike of the Waratahs, combined with an appreciation of how funny it would be to see NSW bested in its chosen sport by all of its neighbouring territories. But we can dream. No matter what may come our way in this season, or any other, we can dream.

So, people of Victoria, I implore you: buy your memberships, grab your jersey, get your scarf, and prepare to board the ride of your life a second time. Whatever happens, keep this in the back of your mind.

We can win Super Rugby, Melbourne, and one day, we will.

Never forget that.

Roaring Hot

Yesterday’s most commented articles

The real story of how John O’Neill turned Manchester City down [67 comments]
Australian teams at Super disadvantage [58 comments]
Does the A-League need an injection of humour? [43 comments]

Most read articles last 3 days

Article link: Rebels will win Super Rugby before the Waratahs. Written by Stuart Fazakerley, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Rebels have spotted their enemy on the western horizon

Paul Roberton — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:32:14 +0000

Nothing says blockbuster like the words ‘traditional rivals’. Rivalries are commonplace in sport but always make for special encounters. For the player it’s about pride and one-upmanship. For the fan it’s about bragging rights and sledging the day after. A rivalry usually begins with a close encounter, a poached player or coach, or some instinctive [...]

Article link: Rebels have spotted their enemy on the western horizon. Written by Paul Roberton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Australian sport needs to get its villains back

itsuckstobeyou — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:45:16 +0000

Something has been bugging me of late. It’s like the feeling you get when you fail to put on your watch on before leaving for work. I settled in for day one of the Brisbane Test and as the Aussie cricket side lined up for a less-than-rousing rendition of Advance Australia Fair, a sense of [...]

Article link: Australian sport needs to get its villains back. Written by itsuckstobeyou, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wales to test Wallaby playmaker O’Connor

Tom Wald — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:19:40 +0000

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has urged James O’Connor to keep an open mind on his playing position as he prepares for the playmaking role against Wales this weekend. O’Connor is set for a stern test of his five-eighth credentials from a young, confident Welsh side determined to send departing winger Shane Williams out on a [...]

Article link: Wales to test Wallaby playmaker O’Connor. Written by Tom Wald, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallabies 16, Wales 9, or the other way around?

The Crowd — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:54:00 +0000

The game at Cardiff next weekend is a tough one to handicap, specially after the amateurish way the Wallabies played the first half against the Barbarians. For forty minutes, the Aussie team was sloppy, mindless and under-coached. Deano is not a harsh taskmaster and he probably should be. I get the impression somebody could unknowingly [...]

Article link: Wallabies 16, Wales 9, or the other way around?. Written by The Crowd, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Cooper says Wallaby O’Connor impressive

Melissa Woods — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:25:32 +0000

Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper is happy to continue to give his teammate James O’Connor tips about wearing the No.10 jersey but doesn’t think he needs them. With Cooper sidelined until midway through the Super Rugby season following a knee reconstruction, O’Connor impressed in his first start as the Australian five-eighth against the Barbarians in London [...]

Article link: Cooper says Wallaby O’Connor impressive. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

James O’Connor must be the long-term Wallaby number 10

Spiro Zavos — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:51:50 +0000

It wasn’t a perfect 10 out of 10 performance by James O’Connor in the Wallabies’ (60) monstering of the Barbarians (11) at Twickenham. More like an 8 out of 10. There was a pass that went astray in a planned move and occasionally the youngster took the ball into heavy traffic instead of feeding his [...]

Article link: James O’Connor must be the long-term Wallaby number 10. Written by Spiro Zavos, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

O’Connor shines with a word from Quade

Tom Wald — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:34:37 +0000

James O’Connor used flamboyant playmaker Quade Cooper’s game as the blueprint for his sterling maiden outing for the Wallabies at fly half. The elusive 21-year-old tormented the Barbarians in Australia’s record 60-11 victory at Twickenham before next Saturday’s date with a formidable Wales side in Cardiff. The Melbourne Rebels recruit revealed that during the week, [...]

Article link: O’Connor shines with a word from Quade. Written by Tom Wald, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallaby O’Connor to keep feet on the floor

Tom Wald — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:34:24 +0000

High-flying Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor has promised to keep his feet on the ground following his latest goal-kicking drama. The youngster is getting himself into trouble by lifting his feet up as part of his goal-kicking routine, the practice potentially interpreted as beginning an attempt. The habit led to Barbarians halfback Peter Stringer comically running [...]

Article link: Wallaby O’Connor to keep feet on the floor. Written by Tom Wald, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

O’Connor’s head spinning with move, says Deans

Tom Wald — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:17:07 +0000

He has the looks of a choir boy and Wallabies five-eighth James O’Connor has been urged to find his voice in time for Saturday’s clash against the Barbarians at Twickenham. The 21-year-old has been thrust into the playmaking position for the first time at international level in Quade Cooper’s injury-enforced absence. And the transition from [...]

Article link: O’Connor’s head spinning with move, says Deans. Written by Tom Wald, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

O’Connor trains at five-eighth for Wallabies

Zolton — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:21:01 +0000

James O’Connor is firming as Australia’s five-eighth for Saturday’s clash with the Barbarians at Twickenham after training in the position in west London on Tuesday. The 21-year-old held down the play-making position during the hour-long session in foggy conditions at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith. It was the national side’s first hit-out since arriving on [...]

Article link: O’Connor trains at five-eighth for Wallabies. Written by Zolton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Rebels can win the Super title, says Beale

Darren Walton — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:44:31 +0000

Kurtley Beale truly believes he and fellow star recruit James O’Connor can help transform the Melbourne Rebels from wooden spooners to Super Rugby champions in 2012. “We’ve got the potential to do whatever we want,” Beale told AAP on Thursday. The classy fullback is recovering well from the shattering hamstring tear that cruelled his World [...]

Article link: Rebels can win the Super title, says Beale. Written by Darren Walton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallaby O’Connor ready for new role

AAP — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:03:07 +0000

Wallabies star James O’Connor says he has the background to help make his transition into a playmaking role for Australia a successful one. O’Connor and Berrick Barnes are expected to share the five-eighth and inside-centre roles on the two-game UK tour in the injury-enforced absence of No.10 Quade Cooper and No.12 Pat McCabe. The 21-year-old [...]

Article link: Wallaby O’Connor ready for new role. Written by AAP, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Barnes keen on O’Connor Wallaby combo

Adrian Warren — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:02:59 +0000

Berrick Barnes is looking forward to forming an exciting new Wallabies playmaking duo with James O’Connor and hopes his health issues are behind him. As the Wallabies assembled in camp in Sydney before their two-match tour of Britain, coach Robbie Deans confirmed Barnes and O’Connor would fill the inside back positions in the absence of [...]

Article link: Barnes keen on O’Connor Wallaby combo. Written by Adrian Warren, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

O’Connor for bigger Wallabies tour role

Adrian Warren — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:41:09 +0000

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has indicated young utility star James O’Connor will get a bigger role, closer to the action, on the two-match rugby union tour to Britain. The squad of 26 named on Monday included three uncapped players, NSW Waratahs backrower Dave Dennis and Queensland Reds backs Ben Tapuai and Ben Lucas. Injuries meant [...]

Article link: O’Connor for bigger Wallabies tour role. Written by Adrian Warren, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallaby O’Connor hopes Cooper hangs around

Darren Walton — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:44:27 +0000

Utility ace James O’Connor is hoping – rather than expecting – Quade Cooper will commit to Australia’s next Rugby World Cup challenge. Cooper requires knee surgery and will miss at least half of Queensland’s Super Rugby title defence before coming off contract with the Australian Rugby Union at the end of 2012. The classy playmaker [...]

Article link: Wallaby O’Connor hopes Cooper hangs around. Written by Darren Walton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallabies beat Wales to finish third in RWC

The Roar — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:36:09 +0000

The Wallabies scored a hard-fought 21-18 win over Wales in the Rugby World Cup third-place playoff match in Auckland on Friday night as some consolation after a misfiring tournament. Tries in the 10th minute from inside centre Berrick Barnes and 76th minute to No.8 Ben McCalman bookended another lacklustre performance by Australia, with James O’Connor [...]

Article link: Wallabies beat Wales to finish third in RWC. Written by The Roar, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallabies and Wales to serve up RWC treat

Darren Walton — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:31:05 +0000

Australia and Wales have vowed to release the shackles and serve up an appetising entree on Friday night ahead of a four-Test feast between arguably world rugby’s two most promising teams. The two youngest sides in the Rugby World Cup enter the third-place playoff at Auckland’s Eden Park shattered not to be playing for the [...]

Article link: Wallabies and Wales to serve up RWC treat. Written by Darren Walton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Carter out: an opening for the Wallabies or Boks, perhaps

Spiro Zavos — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:55:42 +0000

Dan Carter before suffering a torn adductor longus tendon (AFP Photo / WILLIAM WEST)

On Saturday afternoon I was scrolling through my emails, filling in time before the Wallabies – Russia matched when a message from the NZRU came on to my screen. Richie McCaw, the message ran, was pulling out of the match against Canada due to a niggling pain in his foot which had had a screw put in it some months ago.

Hungry Pocock ready to feast on Bears

Darren Walton — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:01:31 +0000

Like a caged lion set free, the Wallabies will unleash hungry flanker David Pocock on Russia’s hapless Bears in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup encounter in Nelson. Pocock, arguably the premier flanker in the game, is ready to feast on the tournament’s winless newcomers after being sidelined for Australia’s past two matches with a back injury. [...]

Article link: Hungry Pocock ready to feast on Bears. Written by Darren Walton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

O’Connor set to torment the Russians

Darren Walton — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:53:54 +0000

Hyper-active James O’Connor plans on bobbing up everywhere to torment the hapless Russians in Australia’s Rugby World Cup group closer in Nelson. Itching for game time after playing only one-and-a-half matches so far in the tournament, O’Connor will return from a hamstring strain to start at fullback in place of Kurtley Beale. But the exciting [...]

Article link: O’Connor set to torment the Russians. Written by Darren Walton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallabies must up their game

The Crowd — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:17:57 +0000

Hope still exists among its legion of fans that Australia has the ammunition and firepower to win the World Cup tournament being played right next door. If there was a broader optimism in evidence before the tournament, it has been severely damaged by the Wallabies’ defeat to Ireland. Of course, the tournament has a long [...]

Article link: Wallabies must up their game. Written by The Crowd, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Hamstrung O’Connor ruled out for Wallabies

Darren Walton — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:00:13 +0000

Goalkicking winger James O’Connor has been ruled out of Friday night’s Rugby World Cup clash with the USA as Australia’s injury toll continues to rise at the tournament. O’Connor has a strained hamstring, but an MRI scan on Tuesday afternoon ruled out any serious damage and it is hoped he will be available for the [...]

Article link: Hamstrung O’Connor ruled out for Wallabies. Written by Darren Walton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Five highlights from World Cup opening weekend

Brett McKay — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:16:23 +0000

Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand in action during their Rugby World Cup opening Pool A match against Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, Sept. 9, 2011. (AAP/NZN Image/SNPA, Ross Setford)

Might not be time for an intro this week Roarers, there was so much to like about the opening weekend of Rugby World Cup 2011. So let’s just get straight into five things that stood out.

Ioane loss brings Wallabies back to the field

David Lord — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:10:02 +0000

Fears that winger Digby Ioane has a broken hand and not a fractured thumb is a devastating blow to the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup campaign. Outside of half-back Will Genia, Ioane is the next most dynamic of a dynamic backline that’s looming as the best in the tournament.

O’Connor desperate for time against Italy

Darren Walton — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:49:39 +0000

James O’Connor is desperate for another shot at Italy after confirming his place on the Australian bench for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup opener in Auckland. Recalled after a one-match suspension for sleeping through Australia’s World Cup squad announcement last month, O’Connor sat out training on Wednesday while suffering a bout of the flu. The Wallabies [...]

Article link: O’Connor desperate for time against Italy. Written by Darren Walton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

O’Connor set to resume Wallabies training

Darren Walton — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:25:11 +0000

James O’Connor is expected to resume training on Friday as the Wallabies continue the countdown to their Rugby World Cup opener against Italy on Sunday. Returning from a one-match suspension, O’Connor is set to take his place on the bench despite sitting out training on Wednesday while suffering a bout of the flu. The Wallabies [...]

Article link: O’Connor set to resume Wallabies training. Written by Darren Walton, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallabies side named, O’Connor benched for Cup opener

Adrian Warren — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:42:13 +0000

James O’Connor has vowed to regain a starting spot in the Wallabies team after being named on the bench for Australia’s Rugby World Cup opener against Italy on Sunday. The selectors have stuck with the same run on team that started the Tri-Nations title-clinching win over the All Blacks in Brisbane at their last outing. [...]

Article link: Wallabies side named, O’Connor benched for Cup opener. Written by Adrian Warren, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Business as usual, says Wallaby O’Connor

Adrian Warren — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 21:18:01 +0000

Wallabies star James O’Connor insists he enjoys a good relationship with all his teammates despite a suggestion to the contrary from former Test hooker Brendan Cannon. Gifted back O’Connor was suspended for one game for missing the Wallabies World Cup photo and team announcement last month. Writing in his News Limited column, former Test hooker [...]

Article link: Business as usual, says Wallaby O’Connor. Written by Adrian Warren, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallaby O’Connor not dwelling on past

Adrian Warren — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:59:24 +0000

Wallaby winger James O’Connor isn’t dwelling on the issue that cost him a place in the Tri Nations victory over New Zealand and threatens to jeopardise his starting spot for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. O’Connor missed the match in Brisbane due to a one-game ban imposed for missing two team functions – the Wallabies’ [...]

Article link: Wallaby O’Connor not dwelling on past. Written by Adrian Warren, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion