O’Connor gets first Test start at stand-off

JAMES O’Connor will make his first Test match start at stand-off when Australia face Wales in Cardiff tomorrow.

The goal-kicking wing impressed as the Wallabies’ number ten against the Barbarians at Twickenham last weekend, and coach Robbie Deans has retained him in that pivotal role.

O’Connor, though, has big boots to fill as he takes over from Australia’s World Cup stand-off Quade Cooper, who is injured.

Centre Berrick Barnes has recovered from a blow to his back to start alongside Rob Horne in midfield, while lock Rob Simmons replaces Nathan Sharpe. Simmons for Sharpe is the only change up front from when the countries last met 41 days ago in the World Cup bronze medal match at Eden Park, when Australia won 21-18.

Wales will be keen to avenge that defeat, which is a fact not lost on Deans. “[Wales coach] Warren [Gatland] will be looking for his group to push on from the World Cup,” Deans said. “And this match provides him with a perfect opportunity to do just that.”

Australia (v Wales in Cardiff tomorrow, kick-off 2.30pm): A Ashley-Cooper; L Turner, R Horne, B Barnes, D Ioane; J O’Connor, W Genia; J Slipper, T Polota-Nau, S Ma’afu, J Horwill (capt), R Simmons, S Higginbotham, D Pocock, B McCalman. Replacements: S Moore, B Alexander, N Sharpe, R Samo, B Lucas, B Tapuai, A Fainga’a.