Does James O'Connor actually fit in the Wallabies' World Cup plans?

They are complete Rugby players. Toomua won't start because of Samu who is a freak but I would have JoC at 15, CLL at 10 and Toomua on the bench. They are the players I want for Test rugby. The Wallabies have been loosing for years because we select "X-Factor" players who have a glaring weakness that can be exploited. Foley (Short Kick and predictable) Beale (Can't tackle and a confidence player), Phipps (poor passing).

As long as he is focused and fit, then he is in the side. You just can't question his abilities, it has been more about his maturity. He is older now and has had to learn the hard way. I think it is worth seeing if he has learnt. He is an excellent ball-playing 15 who can cover 10 and 12 if needed. He brings that "X-factor" that everyone wants with Beale but without the glaring holes such as tackling like Beale does. He is also another goal kicker in the side.

Hodge is good enough to start at 12 as well and may prove to be a better 12 than Toomua. I like Toomua but he's not special. Giteau was special. O'Connor is special (or should be coz he has special talent) and Hodge could become special if given a chance to settle down.

With JOC back, Beale will be the one to feel the heat. I feel Banks or HP will be 15 with Beale and JOC fighting it out for a bench spot. If it does come to that, it will go to JOC.

The trigger to the question is the word ACTUALLY, without which suggests the opposite of what the question might otherwise imply.

What plans? He should be in. Can play almost very position in the backline.

Agree Foley will use Kerevi as a crash ball merchant at 12 which the defence will be waiting for. Foley is unable to put him into gaps, nor to use him cleverly as a decoy nor as an inside runner. Kerevi will not have a mandate to kick the ball nor to use his playmaking skills just to hit the line hard and offload the ball.

The wider question. Players that should be given a go in the RC. First of all this should be predicated on who performed in intl's last year and thus deserve to be retained based on recent intl form which is more important than super rugby form. Folau, Pocock, Hooper, Genia, Sio, AAA. The players to have most improvement to the wallabies comparing them to the player replaced Slipper (in 23), Arnold starting with Rodda, Naisarani, CLL, Kerevi at 12, Joc at 15, TK at 13 These changes will have the most improvement IMO.

I`m fairly certain even Cheika will pick Samu Kerevi at 12 for the RC. But....... if we lose to the AB`s or SA i suspect we may see another 12 for the RWC. Cheika only picks and sticks with a certain few after many losses over the last 4 years. I wont get into that argument as we know who they are.

exactly JoC, CLL, Toomua are the most well rounded players without any weaknesses yet none will probably start and only 1 at best will make the bench.

JoC is more versatile than Toomu and a more talented player. In fact JoC would be the most utilitarian back in the squad since he plays more positions to a high standard. 12,11,14,15 good enough to start 10, 13 good enough to be a backup. Toomua 10,12 good enough to start 15 good enough to be a backup. Hodge 11,14,15 good enough to start 13 good enough to be a backup.

People forget what this kid did before. He can cover 11,12,13,14,15 and even 10 at a stretch.

Probably not as JOC has rugby smarts unlike the players Cheika prefers. Cheika dispenses with our smartest rugby players. Fardy Gill QC and Higginbotham etc etc,only Genia and Beale have smarts in Cheikas best game day 23. And if those two are off, especially Genia a thrashing is the result.

He has ticked all the right boxes so far in his career, for Cheika to pick him unsighted, and for QRA to welcome him back.

You assume that there is a plan for the Wallabies leading up to RWC but that's taking a lot on faith. If you look at the list of the other backs they all have weaknesses - Beale can't tackle, Koribete can't kick and even worse while he works hard following kicks never ever contests the ball in the air etc. Really the only outside back I see with a spot nailed is Kerevi and even there Cheika has shown a reluctance to pick him in his best position No 12! As I think O'Connor has the full suit of skills there certainly should be a place for him in the squad first (already given) then after looking at his form in camp then the Wallabies side as well. His UK form compares more than favourably with Toomua's!

Ok....not really fair is it. Just strolls back into a test team because of some BS rule that “ he is all signed up for next years super” James hasn’t played a game in Australia for six years. Should have come back a season or two ago if he wanted to wear the green and gold in this World Cup.

I think he's fighting with Toomua for the no.22 jersey, and even a place in the WC squad. Both backup 12 and a bit of 10, and could play 15 in an emergency. Toomua hasn't been in great form, but is a reliable proven performer and I have a lot of faith in him.

Thanks Brett & co. Cheers KP