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O'Connor relishing his new role

02nd September 2010 12:51

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James O Connor

O'Connor: A try scoring machine

Australian flyer James O'Connor says he is relishing his new role for the Wallabies after he was recently moved onto the wing.

Robbie Deans shifted the Western Force ace from fullback to wing for the first time in the test against South Africa in Brisbane on July 24 and after four straight internationals in the position, the winger has made the number fourteen jersey his own.

The 20-year-old produced his best display in the competition this year when he dotted down twice in his side's 44-31 loss to South Africa last weekend and he admits that he is now settled in his new role.

"Playing on the wing is a bit different, but I have settled in there now," O'Connor told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I did really enjoy that Test, even though we lost.

"There was a lot of open space, and having guys inside you who can create something definitely makes it a good experience.

"I've got guys near me like Adam Ashley-Cooper, who has played a lot on the wing, and he is giving me good advice.

"I've played a fair bit at fullback, and when you're there, you know what you want from your wingers.

"Probably the biggest difference is the work rate, because you sometimes have to work inside and outside the number 10, and then have to bust your gut to get back to the wing."

Wallabies assistant coach Richard Graham, who will take over from John Mitchell at Western Force after he announced that he will end his contract with the franchise on Wednesday, reiterated Deans' sentiments that O'Connor is at his best on the wing.

"I think he has adapted very well to wing,'' Graham added.

"His ability to run on the inside channel off the likes of Quade Cooper or Matt Giteau is obvious.

"At the same time he has that instinctiveness to be in the right position to score the try off Kurtley after we broke the line."

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