James O'Connor's recent form has been so impressive that Wallabies officials are deliberating whether he should be moved from the wing and be brought closer to the action at inside-centre. The Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden reports.
"O'Connor is also in contention to be Quade Cooper's back-up as the Test No.10 when the Wallabies go into Tri Nations and World Cup mode from July. Although the Force have only won one match, O'Connor has been the most consistent player of the five Australian teams, excelling at five-eighth. O'Connor has enthused Wallabies selectors with his aggressive attitude, eagerness to take the initiative and to test the opposition at every opportunity.
"One of his best efforts was against the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend, where O'Connor provided resistance to an opposition who were right at the top of their game. The Stormers won by 35 points, but the margin would have been more embarrassing if O'Connor was not on the field. He constantly hassled the Stormers, and provided the highlight of the game when he took on their front row and winger Bryan Habana, beating all to score a classic solo try. Apart from bulking up,
"O'Connor has worked hard on his goalkicking, and is sitting third on the Super Rugby points-scoring list, with a tally of 80 from two tries, 22 penalty goals and two conversions."
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