Almost a year to the day James O’Connor stunned the rugby world by scoring a Test hat-trick in his run-on debut, the teenage sensation demanded a return to Wallabies fullback duties with another three-try pearler.
Playing for the Australian Barbarians, O’Connor took just 48 minutes to put incumbent Kurtley Beale on notice by bagging 25 points in a brilliant individual display in a 28-all draw over England.
When he was given an early night by coach Robbie Deans, the Barbarians led 25-13 at Perth’s ME Bank Stadium.
In the ensuing 32 minutes, England stormed back with 15 consecutive points before Berrick Barnes tied the scores with a 76th-minute penalty goal.
Barbarians co-captain Barnes had the chance to steal the match but his 45m penalty attempt after the fulltime hooter sailed just wide to the right.
If Deans had already settled on Beale, coming off two tries against Fiji, to retain his place in the No.15 jersey for Saturday night’s Test against England, O’Connor’s Tuesday night performance is sure to make him think again.
In scoring his hat-trick, and kicking four from five with the boot, the 19-year-old showed all the talent that had captivated the rugby fraternity last year when he stormed onto the international arena at 18.
Whereas he merely had to take the last pace for three simple tries against Italy on June 13 last year at Canberra Stadium, O’Connor did far more to the appreciation of his home crowd of 10,208.
Only the third try of his hat-trick – when he picked up a grubber from halfback Josh Valentine in the left corner in the 44th minute – was an elementary affair.
O’Connor’s two scorching first-half tries turned the game in the Barbarians’ favour after the tourists dominated the early part of the opening match of their five-game Australasian trip.
England, courtesy of two penalty goals to Ollie Barkley, led 6-0 before the O’Connor show began on the back of some strong work from lock Mitch Chapman, centre Will Chambers and flanker Ben McCalman.
O’Connor’s first try in the 22nd minute saw him find the line with three defenders hanging off him.
Eight minutes later he produced a lovely show-and-go which completely fooled inside centre Barkley and he blazed over untouched from 30m out.
He rubbed salt into England’s wounds with the conversion from touch, his first of two from wide out.
England managed to reap some reward from their forward superiority by hitting back just before the break with hooker Lee Mears scurrying over after a concerted build-up.
In a major concern before the Test, the Barbarians’ inexperienced front-row was completely outmuscled throughout and when prop Laurie Weeks was sin-binned in the 69th minute the door was opened to the English, with No.8 Dan Ward-Smith and winger Matt Banahan both crossing with the home side down to 14 men.
Cattledog
Guest
Actually, overall a pretty 'limp' blog. Three players to have their files stamped 'never to play again'! Thank heavens, Jason, you have nothing to do with selection. Slipper on the bench for the test! Obviously, Deans watched a different match to you! In fact, you obviously watched a different match altogether. Just adds support to Brett's continual comment that everyone sees things differently. Whilst it won't necessarily be the strongest front row, let's wait for Sunday morning before denigrating them in case your comments have a serious case of 'foot in mouth'!
Go_the_Wannabe's
Guest
JOC would be found out under the high ball at 15. Far too small. Barnes played like he's played for the Tah's all year - patchy and uninspiring. Valentine must have a photo of Deans in a compromising position. Sheehan and even Turner are streets ahead. McCalman will be a star. Hynes' defence and ball running were outstanding. The Shullet (Cummin's) bombed 2 sitters. Hope it's not his last appearance. Who shrunk Banahan's head? He looks like Mr Incredible. Aussie scrum got some valuable experience - they are on a fast learning curve for the RWC. These are the back up guys and money can't buy this sort of experience. Hodgson is Mr Perpetual Motion.
Samgb
Guest
@Gary Banahan is there because he has performed consistently well for Bath. He has looked ponderous in internationals though. He wont be starting the tests that will most likely be Ashton(who is an absolutely different kettle of fish, lovely lines, great support runner, clinical finisher)and the consistently good(without having quite enough gas)Cueto. Hopefully, Strettle on the bench who is our most elusive runner since Robinson retired. He seems to have been punished since the controversy on the NZ 08 tour so good to see him back. You should also watch out for Foden - willing to run pretty much anything back from FB. Good stuff and if the midfield backs can get their head out of their bums you should see a slightly more posistive looking England although these things are relative of course and you cant get much more negative than early Johnno era!
reds fan
Guest
spot jiggles. Weeks held his tighthead side while Pek was chewing the grass.
ForceFan
Guest
I thought Mitch Chapman had a good game and should perhaps have a good look in on Saturday, at least on the bench. Made some great runs and a couple of offloads. Other players that helped their cause were Edmonds, O'Connor, Chambers and Hodgson. I don't think you can taint the whole tight five regarding the issues re the scrum. I thought Valentine sucked, with poor decision making. Even though I am no fan of Burgess, I think he is ahead of the pecking order. Cummins is where Ioane was about 3 years ago, all speed no hands. Turner, Barnes and A Faingaa were solid but not spectacular. Hoiles tried but I think his potential is bench spot only.
Jason
Guest
" Scrum was not dominant, but didn’t get smashed until Cowan went off, and Weeks swapped sides." Cowan collapsed the first two scrums (straight to ground, didn't even look like he had the strength to hold the crum up) and was penalised.
Jiggles
Guest
jason, In Weeks defence he was sin-binded when playing loose-head. he never ever plays loose-head and is a speacalist tight head. I do not know what Deans was thinking with that one.
JK
Guest
I thought Mcalman (is that the spelling) had a great game, one to watch. Barnes was ok, he is solid, that's what you get, Chambers showed what Reds fans have been talking about. O'Conner was good and he can't be left of the first 22, but was he really tested last night? I don't believe so. The only time I noticed him was to finish off the try's and goalkicking, I don't like him as 15 in TN, 12 maybe.
Bill
Guest
Unfair to say the forwards were totally smashed. The defence was hard for most of the game and caused Poms to drop a lot of ball. Hodgson impressed and staked his claim to Wallabies bench. Aus lineout dominated in first half. Scrum was not dominant, but didn't get smashed until Cowan went off, and Weeks swapped sides. I was disappointed in Valentines slow service - more of the Brumbies let the ball sit at the back of the ruck and let the defence regroup. JOC and chambers best of backs. Hynes disappointing, Turner didn't do much.
Gary
Guest
A very entertaining game with a good natured crowd containing plenty of Poms. Would have been good TV. In future how about a ground comentator ARU / Rugby WA if there is no sports ears operating. James O'Connor briliiant as usual. Definately should be in the 15 for Saturday. It was good to see the BaBas wearing the socks of their home clubs. I know people standing near me were very proud to see JOK in his Cottesloe socks. Pity the clubs rather than or as well as S14 franchises weren't listed in the program. Matt Banahan at number 14 for England. What the hell is he doing on the wing? He's a good player but too slow and not agile enough for the wing. Hope they play him there on Saturday. It also appears someone forgot to tell TransPerth about the game. Only two cars train sets on straight after the game and fans had to pay for the tickets. Something they are not used to with S14, Glory etc at ME Bank. Several were caught out.
Jason
Guest
The forwards where raped, pillaged and spat out like the useless lumps they are. Weekes (highly appropriate name), Cowan and Slipper should have their files stamped "never to play again". The embarressed themselves and their country. Unfortunately for Australia Ma'afu is extremely ordinairy as well. We are going to get sliced, diced and chew up in the tight on the weekend. Untill Robo, ALexander, Moore and TPN are back AUstralia will never beat a decent team. England as usual are clueless in the backs but I think they have far to much power upfront and will strangle a terrible Wallaby forward pack and defeat us by 3-6 points at Subiaco. Once again Wallaby fans will sit back and wonder what might have been as our woeful pack provides crap ball to our fantastic back line. Apparently Deans is looking at Palmer from NSW. Obviously Robbie didn't watch the Super 14 because Palmer was destroyed (driven backwards, collapsed scums) every time he played.
Brett McKay
Guest
Peter, here we go again about different people seeing the same things differently!! Just some quick thoughts I had at fulltime last night: - O'Connor was good, yes, but "starred" is maybe pushing it - Barnes looked composed and directed play pretty well I thought, both passing and kicking. His defensive combo with Anthony Faingaa was very good too. - Valentine directed play around the ruck well, but he also stood too long with the ball at his feet too often, as we discussed about Burgess v Fiji. - McCalman and Chapman were my picks from the forwards, and Hodgson was again typically solid before getting an early mark. - Chambers, after a shaky start in the early S14 rounds, could well be the most successful of the "modern" converts (although I realise his background is rugby anyway). He's a 100 times the player he was in late Feb...
Seiran
Guest
JOC had a great game. Certainly cemented his place in the full Wallabies squad after a great performance in the Wannabes team. What’s with the Wannabes socks? Not only do the ARU need to rip off the Barbarians name they also rip off their tradition of not providing socks to the players. Can’t the ARU start their own traditions?
Peter K
Guest
JoC was the star and carried the BaaBaa’s. When he went off they lost all punch. Aussie scrum totally smashed. Not one of the front row should be in the Wallaby XV. Couldnt handle the english pick and drive either. Forwards were smashed. Gave away a lot of penalties. The backs outplayed england easily. Aussies looked good when they ran the ball, then they stopped running it and kicked even when behind with 4 mins to go. I too blame Barnes for this. Barnes should not be in the 22. Chambers went quite well as well. Valentine gave pretty good service but kicking was terrible. Hynes looked very shaky under the high ball. Only Joc and Chambers enhanced their prospects IMO. I would start JoC over Beale because he is better under the high ball. Also would think about Chambers on the bench with Mitchell taking AAC's spot since he is out injured.
Parisien
Guest
JOC is the only one who pressed his claims. The forwards mostly disappointing as were Valentine and Barnes.