James O'Connor - is he THAT good to be in Wallabies NOW

[spectator]

Definitely has the potential but I agree with others that maybe he shouldn't be there yet, well not as a 15 anyway. For versatility though, who is a better back reserve to have on the bench? Beale maybe?

 

[Gagger]

From blogpost on front page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJapxqS3-pE

 

[Newb]

it's like 2 separate people when he plays the AB's and anyone else. i hope that gets resolved at some point. or maybe just never play him against NZ.

 

[cyclopath]

Quite a good highlight (and lowlight) package there Gagger. His strengths are clear - quick, elusive runner, quite strong for his size, good one-one-one defender technically, an eye for the spaces. Unfortunately the weaknesses were exposed pretty much only by the ABs - high ball, kicking game. The few knock ons are just things that happen - hard to bag the kid for that.
All in all a great prospect, that has been brought on too quickly.
I think the Robbai Lama is right that he will be good enough - I hope his few setbacks this year don't occupy his mind too much, and he proves us all wrong with a really good S14.
Long term? Looks like a 12 for me.

 

[waratahjesus]

the lowlight reel is a little short there isnt it, some of his defensive blunders (like 27 of them) didnt make the tape!
the guy isnt ready. ad to that that he is already on an extremely over inflated contract and you have a combo that could see him burn out before he becomes anything.

 

[mark_s]

it's like 2 separate people when he plays the AB's and anyone else. i hope that gets resolved at some point. or maybe just never play him against NZ.

Are you taling about Giteau or Oconner or both?

 

[Newb]

i meant JOC (James O'Connor) from that video evidence

 

[disco]

I've never really taken to him I think he's the most overated player in the super 14. He's overpaid & should be playing sevens for another season.

 

[Viking]

the lowlight reel is a little short there isnt it, some of his defensive blunders (like 27 of them) didnt make the tape!
the guy isnt ready. ad to that that he is already on an extremely over inflated contract and you have a combo that could see him burn out before he becomes anything.

I agree. Paying him this much too early is only going to hurt his motivation to become better.