I am hopeful of a discussion on an idea that I think is worth an airing. James O’Connor would profit the Wallabies better at inside centre than five-eighth.
O’Connor is a clever player possessed of superior game sense. I feel that he is the best thinker in the Australian Super Rugby competition as far as I have observed this year.
He is deceptively quick, elusive and strong, able to beat tackles and a sturdy defender. He kicks most effectively given some room. He is experienced, having played across the globe for various teams.
He has clearly shown he can steady his teams on numerous occasions.
I contend that selection at inside centre would give him greater scope to identify the opponent’s weak points and exploit them in attack and also to read an opponent’s attack and counter it. All of these represent the requirement of a game manager and should put him in line for the inside centre position.
He knows exactly what to do and when. He knows the right thing to do from a set piece or in broken play will depend upon the coach’s requirements and the opportunities the play presents.
I believe that Noah Lolesio has developed sufficiently into a five-eighth who can promote a kicking or running game. Positioning O’Connor at inside centre would also provide a psychological boost to Lolesio and whoever is selected at outside centre.
I would prefer to see the Wallabies play rather more with the ball in hand, kick judiciously for territory, follow the ball and contest possession at lineout.
I believe James O’Connor might best promote my style of game but he is certainly skilful enough and flexible of mind to suit any game plan Dave Rennie might devise.
Over to you Roarers. What do you think? Should James O’Connor be moved to inside centre, or is there somewhere else in the team that suits him best?
Marlin
Roar Rookie
I'm still peed off at Ikitau for the flashy dive to score a try that he should have scored under the block dot. Conversion attempt missed and 2 points that could have still won them the game had Barrett kicked one of the 2 penalty goals he missed. Luckily for him they still won that game but it is just so stupid.
In brief
Guest
Well, he sure as hell isn’t a 10 ..
John
True Peter, Losesio would be targeted by the ABs and overwhelmed,defensively he instils very little confidence at all.
redsfan
Roar Rookie
JOC's inability to control the game during the Super Rugby AU concerns me about his ability as an out and out 10. I think Lolesio is a very natural 10. Makes quick decisions. I am anticipating a lot of players to get a run this series and for rennie to try some things, as was the case last year. If that is the case, I would be interested to see 10. Lolesio 12. O'Connor as one of the combos. Could be especially effective if we wanted to attack wider of the ruck.
Phil
Roar Rookie
This is a great article! I agree and imagine how good JOC would be if he had played 12 all along. He’s got very similar attributes to Tim Horan our best ever 12.
soapit
Roar Guru
tend to agree, theres probably a reason its the one position theyve never really given him a go at for the wallabies.
Hopper
Guest
11 and half months closer 31 than 30. So he is really 31.
Mirt
Roar Rookie
I resemble that remark
HiKa
Roar Rookie
I'm a long suffering Reds fan and love McDermott's running, tackling and short kicking game, but he's not the complete package by a long chalk. If you are a Reds fan and a Wallabies fan, you need to do a better job of fairly evaluating players regardless of the team they happen to play for.
Hoy
Roar Guru
He was Dean's stop gap as well when he refused to pick Cooper for the Lions, and went with an untried combo... JOC played OK as an individual that series, but as a 10, very much learning the role on the go, which isn't ideal at that level is it?
Hoy
Roar Guru
Mal Michael would have been a good one, but to be fair, the Reds at the time had some cracking players running around late 90s, as those blokes were coming through...
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
He's 30 until the 5th July
JP
Guest
Red Rob Brisbane Lions Triple premiership players Clarke Keating lock 1st XV Southport School and Mal Michael St Peters 1st XV fullback were also missed by the Reds.
Kevin Kranston
Guest
Hoy even worse, NSW have not produced a decent test 10 since Mark Ella. What does that tell you. :crying:
numpty
Roar Rookie
I'm from QLD champ and a huge fan of Tate's. Doesn't mean he is immune to work ons or other players besting him. His D and running game are probably the best of all Aus 9s. His passing and kicking are not. He obviously, for such a young bloke also doesn't have the experience/leadership that white does (yet). Hopefully it all comes with time and he becomes a great.
Caleb Nainoca
Guest
I've always thought he'd be better at 12. To me he doesn't really look quite comfortable at 10, but being the talented player he is he's been able to play there and play well for the wallabies and the reds but yes I think Australian rugby is under utilizing his full potential at 10 and need to run him out at 12 with either Noah or To'omua at 10
Hopper
Guest
You`re both wrong, James is 31 he will be 33 at RWC.
Beedy Eyes
Guest
It`s sad when jokers from other states put down the form scrumhalf in Australia. White and Gordon don`t scare any teams.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
David, and personally I think Rennie will do that. Start O'Connor and Noah off the bench. If that happens, it's really important that Noah gets 20+ minutes (to gain some experience).
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
Last I read he was at 92% tackle completion. That’s pretty handy.