JOC (James O'Connor)'s best position for the Wallabies.

[TOCC]

This poll will also double as a selection policy for Robbie Deans, so select wisely..

 

[liquor box]

I would prefer a not at all, I still would not have him after the sleep in incident last year

 

[ChargerWA]

With international talent in the backline, you're 10 and 12 need to be inclusive players. JOC (James O'Connor) doesn't appear to have that game yet. Not to say he won't, but for now he is too good at finishing to sit on the bench, so wing it is.

 

[Karl]

Has he really got the blistering pace for the Wing?

 

[Joe Blow]

Wing.....I think. He could handle any position in the backs except 9, and with a little practice he could probably be #2 there.
I think he is 3rd in line for 12 after McCabe then Barnes.
4th in line for 10 after Cooper, Lilo/Beale and Barnes.
2nd in line for fullback after Beale, maybe 3rd if AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is ahead of him.

He would be one of my first choice wingers along with Ioane.
and yes.....he has ridiculous pace over about 30 metres.

 

[MrTimms]

With international talent in the backline, you're 10 and 12 need to be inclusive players. JOC (James O'Connor) doesn't appear to have that game yet. Not to say he won't, but for now he is too good at finishing to sit on the bench, so wing it is.

There is a reason some players call him crowbar

 

[Brisbok]

He's a 10, just ask him....

 

[Braveheart81]

Wing is definitely his best position for the Wallabies.

If Mitchell regains his pace, fitness and form he is a better option though in my opinion. Those are a few big ifs at this stage but I hope he manages to get back to his best. He has been such an important player for the Wallabies.

 

[Richo]

At their best, Mitchell and Ioane would both be contenders for a World XV at wing. Whether the former can get back there is, of course, debatable.

The problem with JOC (James O'Connor) is that he is a fantastic back but not yet a perfect fit in any given position. I'd much prefer if he cemented a place in the inside backs rather than remained the ultimate utility. He's too good to leave on the bench.

 

[Troy]

At their best, Mitchell and Ioane would both be contenders for a World XV at wing. Whether the former can get back there is, of course, debatable.

The problem with JOC (James O'Connor) is that he is a fantastic back but not yet a perfect fit in any given position. I'd much prefer if he cemented a place in the inside backs rather than remained the ultimate utility. He's too good to leave on the bench.

Agreed JOC (James O'Connor) needs to be set in one position and left there, but which position?

 

[Braveheart81]

If I were The Rebels, I'd put Beale at 10 and O'Connor at 12 and run with that.

I don't think O'Connor is suited to 10 and he definitely needs to play consistently at 12 in Super Rugby if he wants that to become his test position.

 

[waratahjesus]

The problem I have with JOC (James O'Connor), relates to a problem with Quade and Beale, I just see them cramp each others games constantly. Down in Melbourne, the few times they have been together, Beale has played worse while JOC (James O'Connor) is on the field, Quade is better when he is dominate playmaker and also cramps Beale for mine.

Having all three of them in the wallabies in my opinion only limits their natural games, Qaude and Beale have locked down positions which makes JOC (James O'Connor) the odd one out and sees him to the bench as a super sub.

 

[barbarian]

Has he really got the blistering pace for the Wing?

Yes. Remember that try back in 2010 where he smoked Shane Williams on the outside?
.

 

[Scarfman]

Well, since 12 is so bloody obvious, it would be nice to try it, no?

 

[Braveheart81]

Well, since 12 is so bloody obvious, it would be nice to try it, no?

Definitely.

It has to happen consistently in Super Rugby before it can become an option in test rugby. Otherwise why would you bump McCabe or Barnes who are far more experienced in the position.

Whilst McCabe pretty much learnt 12 as a Wallaby, it would seem unlikely that he is about to get ditched for O'Connor to do the same thing as a Wallaby.

 

[fatprop]

He's a 10, just ask him..

yeah, like I was always an openside ..... in my mind

 

[tigerland12]

Fullback for Melbourne then wing for the Wallabies

 

[Bowside]

12 for Melbourne, 12 or wing for the wallabies.

 

[Brisbok]

yeah, like I was always an openside ... in my mind

Hard to tell whether you missed my sarcasm or whether you picked up on it and ran with it! I think we are on the same page though!

But hey, perhaps we should all live by the mantra of, "if you keep telling people you are something, eventually they will believe it!"??

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I think his long term future is at 12, but he's going to have to work his way into it. He's definitely not a 10 (too selfish) and seems wasted out on the wing. There is some competition for the 12 jersey now and I guess it will depend on the style of game that Deans wants to play.