Tom Banks’ fractured arm has opened a vacancy at fullback that could be filled by James O’Connor as a Wallabies reunion with Quade Cooper looms next Saturday.
James O’Connor’s Wallabies reunion with Quade Cooper has firmed after Tom Banks’ broken arm put an end to his Rugby Championship and potentially the Spring Tour.
The fullback had started all seven Tests this year and was playing confidently at Suncorp Stadium before knocking his arm in a tackle late in the first half against South Africa.
He was sent to hospital and coach Dave Rennie later confirmed the fracture for the No.15.
Banks was replaced by Reece Hodge in the 30-17 win that shot the Wallabies, ranked No.7 a week ago, to No.3 in the world.
Cooper was again composed in the No.10, his in-game kicking key to the hosts seizing control in what was their first back-to-back Test wins since 2019.
A Super Rugby AU title winner at No.10 for Queensland Reds, O’Connor has recovered from a groin injury but been kept out of the side for the last two wins due to Cooper’s fine form.
But Australia play Argentina in back-to-back Tests over the next fortnight and Rennie had already indicated mid-week he could return to the position he first filled for the Wallabies in 2008.
The Wallabies then play Japan next month and Scotland, England and Wales in successive weeks in November.
“We’ve got a number of considerations, but great to have Rabs (O’Connor) back into the mix,” the coach said.
“He’s ready to go and again another experienced player.”
Cooper was the match-winner in his Test return last Sunday and played another understated hand on Saturday at his old rugby home in Brisbane.
“Maturity probably,” Rennie said when asked how Cooper had reined in his ambitious offensive game for the good of the team.
“We want to play, but we’re also playing against a side that doesn’t want the ball, so we talked a lot about giving them the ball and ideally in situations where when they kick we can profit from it.
“We still didn’t do a good enough job around the high ball and that’s got to be better, but I think Quade’s been really disciplined.
“I was really happy with the way he defended in the second half, he chopped really well.”
Olly
Roar Rookie
IMO JOC is a 10 and looking at the age of Quade I would say most likely our 10 at the next RWC. Quade does look after his body so he is still a chance for the next RWC but only a chance. I would not play JOC this year as he needs to get his body sorted. No need to rush him now as we have Quade covering that 10 positions and have other options for 15. If we rush JOC we could end his career early.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Yep. Young Tom Lynagh (& Taj Annan) are only 18. Campbell looks like he could go on the bench and cover 10/14/15. Pretty much the role that Hegarty had.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Where would you put JOC, Olly?
Olly
Roar Rookie
Wright was undone by the incompetent player selection inside him. Not much a winger can do with a backline just shuffling the ball sideways.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I vote Campbell to understudy 10.
Olly
Roar Rookie
JP needs to play 15 at the Reds first. Just wanted to point out he has the best boot in the Reds by a country mile. Long range kick that got the Reds out of trouble a good few times.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Agree, let the experiment happen at Super rugby.
Olly
Roar Rookie
My advise, do not play JOC this year. We want him for the RWC and we do not need him now. Quade does not like another playmaker as he starts to 2nd guess when it is best for him just to steer the team around. Hodge with his long kick is all we need at 15 against the Puma.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I think it is important to remember that Hodge was not alone failing under the high ball against SA.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I don't think JP is in the picture for this year. Needs to play 15 for the Reds first. JOC maybe but questionable these days but Hodge and Kellaway are genuine options. If Kellaway to 15 I would bring Wright back onto the wing and keep Hodge on the bench..otherwise IMO just start Hodge at 15 as his long kick could be important against the Pumas.
Chester B
Roar Rookie
That maybe true in the game you saw but his natural defensive instincts is to be up and at the line. He is definitely more suited to play there than at the back as others have said https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2018/07/31/reece-hodge-centre
Markus
Roar Rookie
O'Connor got some starts for the Wallabies over a decade ago, but he was actually terrible in them and his games there for the Reds upon return in 2015 were no better. He has slowed significantly since then and is not a particularly great general play kicker. I would prefer to see Cooper and JOC as the first choices for flyhalf, and their time managed heavily to get them through to the 2023 world cup. If a younger option surpasses them in the meantime great, but we need those options.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Agree on Phillip. Really like his work rate but becoming a penalty magnet, and the lineout has not been good with him leading either. He needs a break.
Markus
Roar Rookie
"and defends like a 13" Except when he has actually played at 13. The last time I saw Hodge start there was versus the Brumbies and they had a field day through his channel.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Hodge's inability to cement a place in Super Rugby in 6 seasons is why he also cannot cement one for the Wallabies. "cant drop too many more high balls but i think we’re being a bit harsh" No harsher than people have been on Banks, and he dropped a whole lot less kicks than Hodge did. Even the execution on his kicking is sorely lacking. The kick goes over 60m but only actually picks up 20-30m in finding touch.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Wright looks has been running water for the team the last few weeks, looks in good physical shape. At the very least he will be well hydrated. I wouldn't mind seeing Wright given some time at fullback but Test rugby is not the place to be doing it. Same thoughts for suggestions of Petaia to start at 15.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Yep, if you can stop the ABs in close particularly their forward runner angling back in of the 10, they start to go side to side under pressure.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Kinder felt like that one was not reviewed properly. Was a weird one.
Crusher_13
Roar Rookie
If they start him at 15, then I agree. Give him Argentina, Japan, Scotland (?). But I don’t see how we need a utility back reserve with Kellaway and JOC starting and no doubt JP on the bench already.
Big A
Roar Rookie
I don't see JoC as the fix at 15 - IMO JoC and QC should be sticky taped and nursed along as the combination for the 10 position - rotating them as starting and bench in alternate matches with JoC also providing flexibility in other positions if we have injuries during the match - that should see us limp through to the world cup in 2023 - after the RWC we can release the young guys at 10. If we can bed down a no. 15 at the back then we are in really good shape - start with Hodgey as he deserves to be given a proper run at cementing the position (50 caps and a wealth of experience) the solution is staring us in the face - why risk experimentation - fine, if someone explodes against the Kiwi SR teams next year at 15 then give them a go - but experimenting in test matches - no sir - i'm tired of the tests being used for experimentation - JP and Kell's will have to prove they are 15's in SR not in test matches