Lions tour: James O’Connor holds key for Aussies

ROBBIE Deans is firmly of the opinion that a British and Irish Lions Test is no place to blood unproven players and his Wallabies squad reflects that belief in all but the position traditionally considered rugby’s most important – fly-half.

Australian head coach Robbie Deans. Picture: AP

Three uncapped players were included in the preliminary party announced yesterday for the three Tests in June and July but most of remaining 22 named were hardened veterans of international rugby.

James O’Connor is one of them with 37 internationals already under his belt and it was the 22-year-old that Deans revealed was his first choice to start in the No 10 shirt in the first Test in Brisbane on 22 June.

“We think he caters for our needs,” Deans argued. “He wasn’t available for us last year, but the last time he played for us at ten, against Wales at the end of 2011, he did a very good job. He’s just got the components that we’re looking for. He’s a bloke that traumatises defences, he keeps the attack very square, which provides opportunities for the channels around him.”

Despite being a hugely- talented player with a proven big-match temperament, O’Connor has started at fly-half for Australia just once and only recently took up the role with his Super Rugby side, the Melbourne Rebels.

To some extent, Deans’s hand has been forced by Kurtley Beale’s off-field problems, the string of injuries that have bedevilled Berrick Barnes and his concerns over the defensive frailties of Quade Cooper. “None of our five-eighths have had consistent time at international level for the last couple of years and that’s been an element of frustration for us,” Deans added.

“The great thing is we’ve got a number who are capable of doing it at that level, it’s just a matter of deciding which one will serve the team’s needs best. And, in the first instance, James has got that opportunity.”

A precocious talent, O’Connor made his Test debut as an 18-year-old against Italy in late 2008, becoming the second youngest player to play for the Wallabies.

Deans needs no convincing of the virtues of Australia’s traditional running game but has continually reiterated the importance of being able to handle what the Lions throw at the Wallabies too.

“The game is such in this day and age that you cannot be one-dimensional and hope to succeed,” he said.

Deans will name a final 31-strong squad on 11 June.