The Wallabies backline Mr Fixit Adam Ashley-Cooper hankers for a return to outside centre, but reckons his much vaunted versatility is still an asset.

Ashley-Cooper underlined his value with a strong showing in Saturday's Tri Nations win over New Zealand, where he started on the wing - something he hadn't done for 17 Tests.

James O'Connor's suspension prompted the Australian selectors to switch the ever-reliable Ashley-Cooper from outside centre.

It ended a streak of 13 straight Test starts in the No.13 jersey, his longest run in one spot in his 56-Test career, which has included outings at both centre spots, fullback and wing.

With Anthony Faingaa excelling at outside centre against New Zealand, Ashley-Cooper isn't guaranteed a return to that position for the Wallabies' World Cup opener against Italy, when O'Connor will be available.

Ashley-Cooper has routinely told journalists he doesn't mind where he plays as long as he's in the team but, on Tuesday, he expressed a preference.

"Very comfortable at 13 and I'd like to see some time back there," Ashley Cooper told reporters.

"But I guess it's up to (Wallabies coach) Robbie (Deans) how selection goes down and what he wants to do with the backline."

While his versatility has counted against him nailing down a specific backline spot, Ashley-Cooper was adamant it worked in his favour.

"I think the way the game has changed and is evolving, you are required to play a number of positions," Ashley-Cooper said.

"You look at most of the players in the backline these days, they are all in some way utility backs."

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