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There has been much debate over whether Robbie Deans made the correct decision in picking James O’Connor over Quade Cooper, and last night proved the decision to be completely wrong.
While O’Connor was not helped in his first game against the Lions by the injuries that decimated that Australian backline, the second and third games saw O’Connor come up against the Lions with a fully fit and functioning backline.
He flouted and failed completely as a 10.
He stood close to 12m behind the last man’s feet on attacking scrums, allowing the Lions defence all the time in the world to get up off the line and assure the Wallabies didn’t get over the advantage line.
One of Quade Cooper’s greatest attributes is his ability to stand flat in attack and still offer pin-point passes that allow his backs the opportunity to break over the advantage line.
By standing flat, Quade negates the time the opposition has to react and adjust their defence according.
O’Connor’s second issue is his running game. There is no doubt it is superb, but it is better suited to a second-receiver role where he can catch the ball to a defensive line moving backwards or sidewards.
He can use his speed and agility off the mark to turn defenders inside out, something Quade does not have the speed to do.
The third issue is O’Connor’s first step is side ways, meaning the whole line has the ability to slide straight away, and not take away the first defender.
Having your first step forward allows the first defender to be sucked in to the ball players, and sucking in the entire backline.
Quade has the ability to keep defenders alert and will always draw in the first defender, allowing more opportunity for his outside backs to flourish.
Robbie Deans has said James is improving, but why did he use the Lions series to improve him?
The biggest series in Australia since 2003 World Cup, and Deans decides to chuck in a rookie 10.
O’Connor could be a very good flyhalf, but he also could be a great fullback.
If Deans wants to keep his job and have a successful team, he needs to be able to play O’Connor, Quade and Beale in the one team.
He then needs to be able to manage them, so that each player gives 100 percent.
Quade is Australia’s best 10, everyone except Robbie Deans seems to acknowledge this.
It’s time change happened and Quade and Ewen Mckenzie take over and reform the Wallabies similar to the Reds.
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.