James O'Connor will have to watch from the sidelines as Australia take to the field to face Italy on Sunday
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Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Greg Growden backs Australia head coach Robbie Deans' decision to resist the temptation to recall James O'Connor to his starting XV for this weekend's clash with Italy.
"World Cup success requires smart decisions on and off the field. And the Wallabies began their campaign in New Zealand on the right note yesterday when the Test selectors made the wise move of showing strength and solidarity by sticking with the team that won them the Tri Nations for their opening tournament match against Italy.
"The selectors could have taken the easy option of rushing winger James O'Connor back into the starting team following his one-match suspension for missing the World Cup squad announcement.
"There was some logic in that, especially as O'Connor is the team's No.1 goalkicker, and World Cup glory relies so much on having an in-form and consistent kicker. But if the selectors had immediately handed back O'Connor his Test wing spot it may have destabilised the Wallabies' touring group, and disenchanted those who would have had to make way for him."
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