O'Connor puts Force talks on hold - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

O'Connor puts Force talks on hold

By Chris Pike 21/05/2009 03:08:34 PM Comments (0)

Teenage Western Force sensation James O'Connor has put talks on his Super 14 future on the backburner to focus on getting a crack with the Wallabies.

The 18-year-old utility back was told by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans to forget about the under-20s World Cup because he was in the mix at either inside centre or full-back for the upcoming Tests against the Barbarians, Italy and France.

O'Connor, a spring tourist with the Wallabies last year, was preparing to fly out to play in the under-20s team, but has put his plans on hold after being one of 10 Force players selected in Deans' initial squad of 29 named on Thursday.

"He stressed that he wouldn't have involved me if he wasn't going to give me a good shot, and no matter where I play I'll be giving it my all," O'Connor said.

"We've had a few chats and I think he's happy with where I'm heading as a rugby player.

"It's always been my dream to play for the Wallabies and I'm stoked to get another chance to do that this year.

"I'm happy to play wherever as long as I can pull on a jersey, but the way I play both spots is similar as the second ball-player."

Matt Giteau, Nathan Sharpe, Drew Mitchell, Josh Valentine, David Pocock, Richard Brown and Ryan Cross, as well as uncapped duo Pek Cowan and Matt Hodgson join O'Connor in the squad from the Force, and he sees it as a credit to the franchise.

"It's exciting times and shows that the fourth franchise was deserved over here in Perth and that we've done well to have so many players in the squad," he said.

"There are 10 of us and we are pretty happy with that, so we must have done something right during the season."

There has been plenty of talk surrounding O'Connor and where his Super 14 future lies next season, but if the Force secure Stormers' No.10 Peter Grant things turn in their favour.

"Everyone has been pretty supportive and I haven't had too much pressure on me to decide here and now. I try not to think about what people are saying about it from the outside," he said.

"There's a few things that need to be rectified and we are going to need a 10, but everyone is working hard on getting that. We have a good group over here and it's a bright future."

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