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As the ARU’s post-mortem of the failed Lions series continues, the Australian bars, lounge rooms and chat forums are equally abuzz with speculation and ideas.
Two main areas of debate immediately followed the horror show on Saturday night. The first regarded the much maligned Robbie Deans, whose fate has now been sealed. The other question concerned the polarising Wallaby flyhalf – what to do with James O’Connor?
The Wallabies pin up man is quickly becoming the Kurt Gidley of Australian rugby. O’Connor’s versatility across positions has proven to be a benefit to his game, but like Gidley, confusion reigns over where he is best suited.
The decision to play O’Connor at flyhalf for the first Lions Test, while the experienced 10 Berrick Barnes started at fullback, had many pundits and fans scratching their heads.
After underwhelming performances in Brisbane and Melbourne, O’Connor produced his best effort to date at flyhalf on Saturday night. But it was still a sub-par effort compared to world class number 10s such as Carter, Sexton and Steyn.
Ewen McKenzie is the new Wallabies coach, and barring injury, Quade Cooper will start at 10 for the Bledisloe Cup opener on August 17.
Cooper’s critics brand him a defensive liability, and his flashiness and unpredictability is both a strength and weakness. Right they might be, but Cooper possesses a world class passing game and zen-like connection with Reds compatriot Will Genia.
The defensively sound and very fast O’Connor makes a natural fullback. His Wallaby career began on the wing and at fullback, where he performed steadily. His solo effort on the stroke of halftime in Sydney showed that running the ball, not passing, is where his true talent lies.
The other option for O’Connor is to play him at inside centre. Genia, Cooper and O’Connor would be a dangerous attacking combination for the Wallabies. However, despite an average showing in Sydney, Christian Lealiifano will be hard to dislodge from the number 12 spot. He has been outstanding for the Brumbies, and his goal-kicking has proved invaluable.
So that puts O’Connor against great mate Kurtley Beale for the fullback position. There is not room for the both of them in the starting 15.
Beale performed admirably throughout the Lions series. But flashes of brilliance were followed by ugly mistakes. It is these mistakes in Beale’s game that gives O’Connor the edge for the fullback jumper.
Reliability is a trait paramount to any world-class number 15, and an inconsistent Beale is something the Wallabies cannot afford – particularly against the All Blacks.
Like O’Connor though, Beale’s versatility is a standout feature of his game. Bringing a player with the raw skill and flare of Beale off the bench is an asset that few other international sides possess.
Also waiting in the wings, and not to be discounted, is the impressive Jesse Mogg. Knocking the door down with his Super Rugby performances, Mogg seemed undaunted on Saturday night and a promising international career beckons.
It has been a week to forget for James O’Connor. He learnt that he will not be at the Rebels in 2014. Now with Quade Cooper poised to return, his future at the Wallabies will not be at flyhalf.
He will serve his country best at fullback. Let’s hope Ewen McKenzie agrees.
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.