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Recent predicted Wallaby line-ups have been circling the Roar lately but there seems to be no mention of James O’Connor.
Despite him not appearing in the 2012 season, he has been one of the biggest talents of the last few years and deserves a spot somewhere in the Wallaby backline to face the British and Irish Lions in June.
Outside backs have been a real feature of Australian rugby this year, with players like Jesse Mogg, Alfi Mafi and Chris Feauai-Sautia stepping up to the plate in terms of attacking rugby. Even former rugby league star Israel Falou has been thrown into the equation.
The Brumbies currently stand at the top of the Super Rugby ladder and the Reds are not far behind. The Force have been kept to one win this season, but their new recruits are finally linking and are playing some terrific rugby.
That leaves the Rebels, the problem child of the Australian conference at this moment.
Besides their win in their game against the Force in Round 1, they have been a train wreck on their tour of South Africa.
James O’Connor, being played at fullback, has lost playmaker Kurtley Beale due to an injury and that fight after the game in Durban.
It is strange to see that he has not been moved into a playmaker’s position of either fly-half or inside centre.
O’Connor, while being a part of team in a not so pleasing part of their season, hasn’t been amazing, but has been solid in defence and attack.
The Wallabies have to pick a team on both form and experience and James O’Connor has what it takes to join the Test side.
In my Wallaby team he will be positioned on one wing, partnered with Digby Ioane on the other. In 2012 he was beginning to look like a playmaker at fly-half or centre but his positioning for the Rebels this season gives us the impression he won’t be picked in these positions.
Robbie Deans shouldn’t overlook James O’Connor based on the poor Rebels performance of this season.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.