Wallaby O'Connor not dwelling on past - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Wallaby O'Connor not dwelling on past

Adrian Warren 01/09/2011 06:32:04 PM Comments (0)

Wallaby winger James O'Connor isn't dwelling on the issue that cost him a place in the Tri Nations victory over New Zealand and threatens to jeopardise his starting spot for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

O'Connor missed the match in Brisbane due to a one-game ban imposed for missing two team functions - the Wallabies' World Cup squad photo and squad announcement.

His place on the wing was taken by Adam Ashley-Cooper, who moved from outside centre, which was then occupied by Anthony Faingaa.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was typically non-committal earlier this week when asked if O'Connor would regain his starting spot for Australia's World Cup opener against Italy.

O'Connor was philosophical about the punishment and any lessons learnt from his indiscretion.

"You learn lessons every day. We move on to next week," O'Connor told reporters on Thursday.

He focused on the excitement of watching the Wallabies score a drought-breaking Tri Nations title-clinching win in Brisbane, rather than dwelling on not being part of the on-field action.

"I was more excited for all the boys, to be honest, It was a massive occasion and the boys really stood up," O'Connor said.

"It's an awesome effort. It's going to give us great momentum leading into this World Cup."

While he was confined to the sideline, O'Connor admitted he was caught up in the emotion of the occasion.

"It was an awesome game. I think I caught myself on the big screen fist-pumping which was pretty embarrassing," O'Connor said.

"A game like last week makes you proud to be part of a whole team, and all 30 have a massive role."

Deans revealed his gifted utility back had been doing his bit for the team in an off-field capacity leading up to the Test in Brisbane.

"He's done a lot of work on behalf of the group in the background over the last week," Deans told reporters earlier this week.

"We got him working doing some tasks helping staff, helping players, sohe was serving the team in another way."

O'Connor said with no Test this weekend, the squad was having a big week of training, with plenty of gym work.

The public will have the chance to farewell the Wallabies on Monday, when they will make an appearance in the Sydney CBD.

Fans are being encouraged to send the players messages of support through Facebook and Twitter.

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