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It’s taken six years but the Wallabies’ Mr Versatile, Adam Ashley-Cooper, has finally settled in his true home at No.13 and is ready to test himself against the game’s midfield master – Brian O’Driscoll.
After 77 Tests of being shuffled around five different positions, Ashley-Cooper is one of the few certain selections in Australia’s backline at outside centre.
Now he just hopes that Irishman O’Driscoll is also wearing 13 when the British and Irish Lions line up against the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
The wish should be granted with the veteran showing there’s plenty of life left in his 34-year-old legs and even more nous upstairs by starring in lop-sided wins over the Western Force and Combined Country.
O’Driscoll announced himself as the best centre in the world with standout tour of Australia in 2001, using his explosive powers off the mark to pierce the Wallabies’ renowned defence.
That pace appears to have subsided as he prepares for his 132nd Test, but not according to Ashley-Cooper, who rates him as dangerous as ever.
“Oh mate, I disagree,” said Australia’s most-capped backline member. “I think O’Driscoll has got the experience and the ability to keep turning up.
“He’s a soldier and that’s why he’s still one of the best 13s in the world.
“You can’t presume anything with O’Driscoll.
“He’s a freak, he’s an absolute freak and getting the opportunity to play Brian on the weekend will be great for me.
“I haven’t had that before and it will be a great test for me.”
Ashley-Cooper has played Ireland three times – for a win, draw and the 2011 World Cup loss – but either lined up at fullback or left wing and has never marked Dublin’s favourite son.
He was earmarked as Stirling Mortlock’s outside centre successor way back in 2007 but his versatility has largely worked against him until now – wearing 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 and never keeping the same jersey for a full international season.
The 29-year-old thanked NSW coach Michael Cheika and the Waratahs for granting his wish to play outside centre in Super Rugby this season.
“It’s been great, staying in the one position for more than one or two weeks,” he said on Tuesday. “It’s the first time it’s ever happened.
“Getting to build on the 13 position week-in, week-out I feel like I’m playing some of the best football I’ve played in my whole career.
“I feel like I can continue those performances into the Test 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.