James O'Connor misses flight

[Scrubber2050]

Just went through the process of booking a flight from Perth to Bali on Air Asia. For the princely sum of $13 I was able to reserve an emergency exit seat. Took me less than 5 minutes.

Mate - if you had given them a rev it might have taken 2 minutes or an escort out of the place

 

[Ignoto]

Hmm... I'm not sure whether to leave my lynching jacket on or it's time to put it back in the wardrobe.

Sharpen the pitchfork at least. That way, when the shit hits the fan you're good to go!

 

[Brumby Runner]

I'd say it's probably the opposite at the moment.

We've got one winger (Cummins) who now has a broken hand and is out. His form hasn't been excellent in the last two tests either (although he certainly was better against Argentina than he was against South Africa).

Tomane was poor against the Lions and now looks certain to have a spot in the starting side.

Mogg is gone so the option of reinstating him and moving Folau back to the wing is no longer availabe.

If JOC (James O'Connor) doesn't play then we're looking at either CFS on the wing or AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) (with Kuridrani playing 13 who struggled in his two tests off the bench).

The decision over JOC (James O'Connor)'s punishment should have nothing to do with his talent or form but it is silly to argue that he doesn't improve our team right now. He's still our best winger both in terms of form and ability.

As much as I don't want to see Izzy moved back to the wing unless unavoidable (as it might be), Foley could play 15 to allow that to happen. IMO would be better than moving AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper).

 

[Braveheart81]

As much as I don't want to see Izzy moved back to the wing unless unavoidable (as it might be), Foley could play 15 to allow that to happen. IMO would be better than moving AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper).

Yeah, I don't disagree with this.

At this point I expect JOC (James O'Connor) will go to South Africa though.

If they do ditch him, I'd prefer for Foley to get a test cap at fullback than CFS on the wing. How long since CFS played club rugby? At least Foley played last weekend.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Personally, I am waiting for more information.

It's easy to jump to conclusions here, due to the person involved, but the facts make for an interesting case.

1. 5am Sunday after the game, with his GF. Was he really likely to be excessively drunk at this time? Or was it really a dispute about changing his seats? Or both?
2. Did he actually board a flight a few hours later?
3. Being marched out of customs by the AFP is a likely a non-event - if you're not flying, you can't be there, so if he didn't board it is likely the natural thing to happen (particularly if he was arguing with airline staff and they got annoyed).

In this case, I think we should just wait and not jump to hysterical conclusions just yet. If JOC (James O'Connor) was drunk, then I support some punishment, e.g. missing the tour or stood down a game, but if it turns out to be a non-event (fight over seating with the airline) then it should be let go.

We just have to wait and see.

Ash, I generally agree with almost all of your posts, but not in this instance.

Sure, wait to see the outcome of the investigation, but imo,

best case - a beat up and no real matters of concern : no action;

Possible scenario - simply a disagreement and/or some abuse of staff over a seating issue : stand down for the tour for bringing the game into disrepute (as happened as soon as it hit the papers).

worst case - "tired and emotional" from over indulging and arguing/abusing staff : removed from Wallabies at least for 12 months.

If it is worst case, I expect the Force will resolve the issue by not offering him a contract.

 

[scaraby]

Yeah, I don't disagree with this.

At this point I expect JOC (James O'Connor) will go to South Africa though.

If they do ditch him, I'd prefer for Foley to get a test cap at fullback than CFS on the wing. How long since CFS played club rugby? At least Foley played last weekend.

He could also cause a bit of havoc switching into 10 every now and again when the forwards get tired. Creates some nice sharpe breaks with his running game especially dangerous close to the line.

 

[A mutterer]

I'd say it's probably the opposite at the moment.

We've got one winger (Cummins) who now has a broken hand and is out. His form hasn't been excellent in the last two tests either (although he certainly was better against Argentina than he was against South Africa).

Tomane was poor against the Lions and now looks certain to have a spot in the starting side.

Mogg is gone so the option of reinstating him and moving Folau back to the wing is no longer availabe.

i disagree with the assessment of his recent performances - i think he has been soft in defence and he hasn't really brought that much more in offence. he may be ahead in terms of reputation but until we get some of these other players in and give them the same chances we really don't know the exact value of what he is 'allegedly' bringing.

the fact remains we have options with players waiting in the wings who probably should be blooded so that we can develop them through the ranks and commence building a team around those that want to wear the jersey and who focus on improving performance. cummins didn't have a great first game, improved in the second and based on this form you would expect he would continue to improve as he settled into the role and team.

did JOC (James O'Connor) improve significantly between 2 games? i don't think so. brand o'bieber's ability far exceeds his capacity to deliver at this stage.

if you were asking me about brand o'bieber's ability and form in delivering some blue steel for the lastest marketing campaign i'd grudgingly have to agree with you.

do we lose that much by having him out at this stage of the comp? i doubt it, but we are likely to get the long term benefits of developing new talent.

 

[Andrew of Koozbain]

I am over the trials and tribulation of the group of kids who have no respect for what it means to be a Wallaby! Not only do I not see respect but also a lack of passion. Off to League with them, our game will survive without you!

 

[Muttonbird]

Sorry, but his salary and how he chooses to spend it should not be part of this conversation.

Not sure about that. This incident aside (or included, depending on the police report), a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption has emerged in this young man's life. That's fine if he wants to do that but the people invested in Australian rugby, administrators and fans alike, should be allowed to ask the question, how much is too much?

 

[Sully]

Not sure about that. This incident aside (or included, depending on the police report), a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption has emerged in this young man's life. That's fine if he wants to do that but the people invested in Australian rugby, administrators and fans alike, should be allowed to ask the question, how much is too much?

What alcohol abuse?

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 4

 

[Braveheart81]

i disagree with the assessment of his recent performances - i think he has been soft in defence and he hasn't really brought that much more in offence. he may be ahead in terms of reputation but until we get some of these other players in and give them the same chances we really don't know the exact value of what he is 'allegedly' bringing.

the fact remains we have options with players waiting in the wings who probably should be blooded so that we can develop them through the ranks and commence building a team around those that want to wear the jersey and who focus on improving performance. cummins didn't have a great first game, improved in the second and based on this form you would expect he would continue to improve as he settled into the role and team.

Cummins now has a broken hand and we already need to replace him.

I think your assessment that we have lots of wingers ready to go for the Wallabies is really inaccurate.

Tomane is pretty much a walk up starter for the next two tests now and his form has been poor.

Things will improve when Henry Speight becomes eligible but until then we don't have a lot of options.

I think you're letting your opinion of the guy personally cloud your opinion of his rugby. I think the guy is a tool too, but the vast majority of his test rugby has been very good.

He has consistently been one of our best players in every game he has played on the wing in the last three or so years.

 

[Muttonbird]

What alcohol abuse?

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 4

I didn't say abuse.

 

[A mutterer]

i didnt state we have lots of wingers lining up. but with foley, morahan and a couple of other guys we do have options and we can move some of the players around to accommodate a reshuffle. we have been forced in the past to continue to pick players based on past prowess and reputation who have been secure due to a lack of any options.

i really don't have a great opinion of his rugby more than anything else, especially this year.

i notice in your post you are talking about his past test rugby performances. sure - he used to deliver. but he simply hasn't been delivering this season, and certainly not to the standard you'd expect from a world class winger. at best i'd rate his season as just above average.

 

[Braveheart81]

i notice in your post you are talking about his past test rugby performances. sure - he used to deliver. but he simply hasn't been delivering this season, and certainly not to the standard you'd expect from a world class winger. at best i'd rate his season as just above average.

After Folau I'd say he's been our second best back in the Rugby Championship so far. The votes in the MOTM threads probably reflect that too I'd guess.

I agree that his 2013 test form hasn't been his best, but he's been close to our most threatening player in attack. Pretty much our entire team have been below their best form. Key players like Moore and Genia have been massively below their best.

If you ignored the disciplinary issues he would be absolutely nowhere near being dropped.

 

[Ash]

Ash, I generally agree with almost all of your posts, but not in this instance.

Sure, wait to see the outcome of the investigation, but imo,

best case - a beat up and no real matters of concern : no action;

Possible scenario - simply a disagreement and/or some abuse of staff over a seating issue : stand down for the tour for bringing the game into disrepute (as happened as soon as it hit the papers).

worst case - "tired and emotional" from over indulging and arguing/abusing staff : removed from Wallabies at least for 12 months.

If it is worst case, I expect the Force will resolve the issue by not offering him a contract.

To be honest, I was trying to be moderate and calm a bit of the hysteria.

I think that the bolded option is the most likely cause of this issue, it definitely sounds like it. And if that's the case, I concur, would stand him down for at least the next game, or the tour (next two games).

My own feeling is that this is a bit of a storm in a teacup - and I can tell you that I am no fan of JOC (James O'Connor) and his behaviour. But, I will wait for more info. If JOC (James O'Connor) was drunk, if JOC (James O'Connor) was abusing staff, then obviously he needs some serious punishment, but I don't see how people can call for that without knowing the full extent of the situation yet.

To add, I'm a bit careful with airline disagreements these days. I've seen/heard of some perfectly placid and reasonable people at work almost get kicked off airplanes for arguing - and being right. In some cases, the airline staff didn't know their own rules, particularly where children are concerned. I can see how an arrogant, pushy attitude during a disagreement could result in a refusal to board, regardless of the party in the right.

 

[Phil]

Sorry, but his salary and how he chooses to spend it should not be part of this conversation.

Daz,I agree with you that he can choose to spend his money any way he wants to,but don't carry on like a dickhead about seating arrangements on a budget airline.

 

[Scrubber2050]

I suppose everyone is tired of the stuff-ups and 2 blokes in particular have been serial offenders. It looks like 1, at least is on the right track.

Have never heard anything untoward about AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) folau Cummins, Lilo, Genia, White, Mowen, Higgers, MMM, Fardy, Pocock, Gill, Hooper ,Simmons, Douglas, Timani, Slipper, Moore, Finger, Benny A Kepu, alexander, robbo -

am sure I've left out pleanty

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Scrubber2050, after the Wobs you can roll through the rest of the Soup franchises professionals, and then the Academies Lists and the Shute Shield, John I Dent, and Brissie Prem club lists, and you'd struggle to assemble a list as long as the 4 Muppeteers have assembled. One of them seems to be doing the right things now which is good news, the other is off to Frogland.

Then there were two.

 

[Scrubber2050]

was going to name everyone down to the Under 7's but just got tired with some of Wallabies

 

[Richo]

This story from The Terror suggests that the ARU were NOT happy with JOC (James O'Connor)'s version of events.

I guess we'll see.

I've not yet seen anything in the media coverage that has suggested anything like the "gentle misunderstanding" that lots of people here are suggesting and hoping. As someone who reacted strongly last night -- whisky strong, one might say -- I'll happily admit I was wrong as soon as there is evidence to the contrary.

As for the "Oh, it's nothing to get escorted out by the AFP" comments, well, that's frankly bizarre. Yes, if there was an actual ticket stuff up that required rebooking, you'd need to exit the secure area to go to a ticket counter. Most people don't require a police escort to do so. They just follow the big signs that say "EXIT". From the news reports I've read, it seems that he wasn't seated next to his girlfriend and blew up about it. If that's the case, he wasn't simply being shown where the ticket desk was by some kindly federals. Also, the reports I've read state that the AFP allege he was drunk.

My guess is that the ARU will just hope it blows over in a day or two. I doubt we'll learn anything more.