Foley to break Wallabies mould: O'Connor

Updated June 02, 2012 12:49:06

Michael O'Connor rates Bernard Foley as one of the greatest Sevens Rugby players there has been and someone who could break the mould of international full-backs if given a Wallabies debut during the June Tests.

During his playing days, dual-international O'Connor was himself an attacking master and starred alongside some of the most gifted game-breakers to ever play union and league.

And now in his role as Australian Sevens coach, his job has been to identify and mentor attacking wizards - and O'Connor promises they do not come any better equipped than Foley.

The 22-year-old has been a revelation in the number 15 jersey for New South Wales this year, and finds himself in the Wallabies train-on squad despite only making his Super Rugby debut in the Waratahs' preliminary final of 2011.

O'Connor has no doubt his former pupil's "sharp football brain" and willingness to run the ball will enable him to excel in the Test arena just as quickly.

"His first instinct is to attack. He's very much out of the mould I reckon at the moment with international rugby players," O'Connor said.

"He carries it in two hands and his last option generally is to kick ... he doesn't kick for the sake of kicking.

"He's got a very good intellect. You often see a lot of smart kids who aren't so smart on the footy field. But he's got rugby IQ and he's got general IQ.

"He's more than equipped. You'd benchmark him against the best Sevens players in the world and he's up there."

O'Connor described former Sevens captain and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Foley as "a big game player" and said Wallabies selectors were well aware of his potential.

Given he is yet to play a Test and will be backing up from the Waratahs match on Saturday night, Foley is at best an outside chance for the Scotland Test on Tuesday in Newcastle.

However, with three internationals to come against Wales and with number 15 incumbent Kurtley Beale for the moment sidelined through injury, Foley is well in the mix to claim his first gold jersey.

After unseating Wallabies star Adam Ashley-Cooper for the fullback spot at the Waratahs early in the season, Foley has been a shining light in an otherwise dismal season for New South Wales.

Foley said he was personally satisfied with his breakout year, but the prospect of a Wallabies debut had not yet sunk in.

"As a young boy growing up with my brothers and everything that's all we ever wanted to be was just be a Wallaby, so it's a bit of a dream come true," he said.

"It's still probably a little bit off, I don't have it yet so I can't really be thinking about it yet.

"When it's your first year, you haven't really been to it before so you get excited for every training session and every game. Throughout the pre-season I was just hopeful of trying to get a bench spot ... so it's been satisfying to cement a spot."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted June 02, 2012 12:42:22

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O'Connor ruled out of June Tests

Updated May 21, 2012 19:34:20

Wallabies star James O'Connor must wait four weeks before returning to contact training, ruling him out of Australia's mid-year Tests against Scotland and Wales.

O'Connor underwent scans on his lacerated liver on Monday, hopeful of being cleared to make an early return to Super Rugby and in time to be considered for Wallabies selection.

The Melbourne Rebels say O'Connor's scans revealed that the laceration is healing well, but he will not be able to return to full contact training for another month, at which point he will have another scan to determine when he is able to return to the field.

O'Connor suffered the painful injury against New South Wales on April 21, and although he was in significant doubt for the Tests from that point on, the 21-year-old had not given up hope.

However, a disappointed O'Connor tweeted the bad news on Monday afternoon after receiving the result of the scan.

"Disappointing result-Liver healing very nicely jst going to run out of time...if only I had a couple more weeks up my sleeve," he tweeted.

Australia takes on Scotland on June 5, before facing Wales in a three Test series finishing on June 23.

With O'Connor now officially out of the frame, Kurtley Beale shapes as the favourite to play five-eighth for Australia.

But incumbent Quade Cooper could also be a surprise inclusion in the squad after making his Queensland return on the weekend.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 21, 2012 19:34:20

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O'Connor must wait for Test clearance

Updated May 01, 2012 21:42:35

Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor must wait for scans on his lacerated liver to reveal whether he can be available for Australia's June Test series.

O'Connor is banned from any physical activity for at least two weeks and will not resume contact training for six after splitting his liver in the Melbourne Rebels' Super Rugby match against New South Wales on April 21.

The tear was caused when O'Connor was accidentally kneed by New South Wales five-eighth Berrick Barnes.

O'Connor said on Tuesday the tear is confined to his liver and there are no concerns about long-term damage.

He is, however, unlikely to play for the Rebels again before Australia's June 5 Test against Scotland and the three-Test series against Six Nations champions Wales.

Australia's five-eighth stocks are low, with O'Connor injured and Quade Cooper continuing his recovery from a post-World Cup knee reconstruction.

"I've got a couple of decisions to make in the next few weeks," he said.

"We've got a scan in about three and a half weeks to determine whether I can hopefully come back for the Test matches or make myself available to be fit."

O'Connor said he was thankful for the swift action of medical officials from both sides after his injury, saying that the pain was excruciating at the time.

"Anything internal is not too good. It's contained inside my liver, so I was pretty lucky in that regard. If we left the situation any longer, it could have been a lot worse," he said.

"It repairs itself and, because it was contained inside the liver, I didn't have to go in for surgery.

"I guess I reacted pretty well - my body took over. There's a bit of blood clotting which is good. All the bleeding is contained - nothing leaked out into my stomach. So it was a win in that way."

As an internal injury, there's nothing he can do apart from follow doctor's orders and lay low. Even picking up a ball and throwing it around is off limits.

"If I could do something, I'd be doing it," he said.

"The best thing now is to relax and do nothing.

"The surgeons were worried I'd get out there too early in the next couple of weeks and throw the ball around."

With O'Connor out and Danny Cipriani returning to England, full-back Kurtley Beale is likely to play at five-eighth for the Rebels on Friday against the Bulls.

Meanwhile the Rebels have lost flanker Jarrod Saffy for the rest of the season due to a bulging disc in his neck.

Saffy underwent an MRI which revealed the problem after the Rebels' loss to the Waratahs.

The 27-year-old rugby league convert sought medical advice and it was recommended he give the injury time to heal by sitting out for the rest of the season.

"Jarrod will be a massive loss for the side, his transition into Super Rugby has been impressive and he is an integral part of the squad," coach Damien Hill said.

"There is always an obvious concern with these type of injuries, but we look forward to Jarrod returning for the 2013 season."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby

First posted May 01, 2012 17:05:49

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O'Connor back at 10 for Rebels

Updated March 28, 2012 13:26:35

Rebels star James O'Connor will have his work cut out when he returns at playmaker against the Highlanders in their Invercargill Super Rugby fortress on Friday night.

O'Connor (hamstring) was named on Wednesday to come back in place of injured Englishman Danny Cipriani at fly half for the daunting assignment at the bottom of New Zealand's South Island.

Cipriani suffered a hamstring injury of his own while playing a starring role in the Rebels' first win of the season over Force last Friday night.

O'Connor joins Wallabies full-back Kurtley Beale (calf) in returning to the starting XV to play behind an unchanged forward pack.

Unheralded pairing Lachlan Mitchell and Lloyd Johansson get another chance to develop their centre partnership after impressing against the Force.

One of the form teams in 2012, the Highlanders have delighted home fans with their all-out attacking game playing in their new closed-roof stadium in Dunedin, instead of the old "House of Pain", Carisbrook.

But the Rebels will not enjoy the luxury of those firm, dry and windless conditions.

They have to play at Rugby Park in Invercargill where visiting teams typically strike the cold, wet and muddy conditions.

Rebels coach Damien Hill says his squad is up for the challenge.

"They (the Highlanders) are four from five this year and playing really good football, but the team's very confident," Hill said.

"It's a hard place to play, but we're all looking forward to it."

Rebels squad:

Kurtley Beale, Mark Gerrard, Lachlan Mitchell, Lloyd Johansson, Cooper Vuna, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve (captain), Tom Chamberlain, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, Adam Freier, Nic Henderson

Reserves: Ged Robinson, Rodney Blake, Alister Campbell, Michael Lipman, Nic Stirzaker, James Hilgendorf, Julian Huxley

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, new-zealand

First posted March 28, 2012 13:26:35

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Wales set to test O'Connor

Updated December 02, 2011 17:45:26

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has urged James O'Connor to keep an open mind on his playing position, as he prepares for the playmaking role against Wales this weekend.

O'Connor is set for a stern test of his fly half credentials from a young, confident Welsh side determined to send departing winger Shane Williams out on a winning note at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Sunday (AEDT).

The assured and versatile O'Connor made a bright start in his first appearance at number 10 for the Wallabies in last weekend's 60-11 rout of the Barbarians at Twickenham.

With close friend and regular fly half Quade Cooper out injured, O'Connor has hinted that his time in the position is only a temporary measure and he is best suited to inside centre.

But Deans sent a reminder that the 21-year-old's long-term role is not settled and the team's best interests should come first in deciding it.

"His stated preference is 12 but you find over time that players let go of their individual preference and ideally start to think of what is in the best interests of the group and team," he said.

"He is of great value where ever he is, so it does not matter in the long run but he is capable of mastering both (inside centre and fly half)."

The Welsh backs have spent the past week devising plans to stifle O'Connor.

"It will be a different experience but he is conscious of that," Deans said.

O'Connor would not be the first to make a successful transition from the outside backs to fly half for Australia.

Wallabies great Stephen Larkham was full-back before being shifted to number 10 for the national team in 1998.

There were concerns raised about Larkham's tactical kicking but he more than made up for any shortcomings with his ability to ghost through the tightest defences.

Larkham played in the Wallabies' sides that won the World Cup in 1999 and reached the final in 2003.

O'Connor also has an uncanny ability to shed tackles.

The youngster's opposite number in Cardiff will be the impressive Rhys Priestland, one of the revelations of the 2011 World Cup before being hit by injury.

Priestland, who missed the Wallabies' 21-18 win over Wales in the World Cup bronze medal match, says the Welsh have done their homework on O'Connor.

"We have been working hard all week trying to nullify him," he said.

"We are going to try to limit the amount of damage he can do."

The Wallabies are bracing for exciting wing veteran Williams to be provided with plenty of ball in his last chance to bamboozle international opposition.

But Priestland says the little man with the dancing feet will not receive any special service.

"For that 80 minutes it is just Wales versus Australia, it does not really matter who is retiring or who is in their first game," Priestland said.

"It is just us against them and afterwards we will celebrate what a great career he has had.

"But if it is not on to give it to Shane, we are not just going to give it to Shane."

Wallabies outside centre Rob Horne is in doubt for Sunday's match after pulling up with hamstring tightness.

He is likely to be replaced by Anthony Faingaa.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, wales, united-kingdom, australia

First posted December 02, 2011 17:45:26

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Rebels circling Force gun O'Connor

Updated April 15, 2011 14:35:00

Former Wallabies hooker Brendan Cannon predicts the Western Force will struggle to recruit and retain top-line players if James O'Connor defects to Super Rugby newcomers Melbourne Rebels.

Rumours are rife O'Connor is set to sign with the Rebels, who earlier this week poached star Wallabies and New South Wales Waratahs full-back Kurtley Beale for the next two seasons.

Despite the speculation, the Force remain optimistic they will retain the 20-year-old.

But Cannon, an inaugural player who still has close ties to the club, said the Perth-based franchise would struggle for years to come if O'Connor did jump ship.

"He's someone that they've fostered and harnessed out of school, he's someone they were looking to build future sides around," he said.

"He's a superstar ... every game he's played at fly half or full-back for the Force he's been one of their best players."

The Force have worked hard to keep the core of their playing list, re-signing Wallabies flanker Ben McCalman for a further two years on Friday to add to the signatures of skipper Nathan Sharpe, Nick Cummins and Sam Wykes.

Coach Richard Graham hesitated for several seconds when asked whether the franchise was confident of retaining O'Connor, before eventually replying: "Mate I am confident that we can retain James.

"We've presented a good program to him for the last four years and he's an important part of our squad at the moment. I'd like to think he'd stay with us."

Cannon said the Rebels' solid form, plus the potential to secure big third-party deals, made them attractive.

"I think probably what has accelerated the signing of Kurtley Beale and possibly James O'Connor is how the Rebels have gone this year," Cannon told Fox Sports.

"I think they've surprised a lot of us.

"They've won three (games), their season to date has been exceptional compared to how the Western Force were in their inaugural year.

"So from a rugby players perspective, you look at it and think ... it's a good group, you can see there's a really happy culture there, (coach) Rod Macqueen has done an exceptional job with a pretty diverse playing group and they've got some success along the way."

The Force will be desperate to notch just their second win of the season when they take on fellow strugglers the Brumbies in Canberra on Sunday.

O'Connor, who has shaken off the effects of a virus, will move from full-back to inside centre, but utility back Cameron Shepherd was ruled out after experiencing headaches following last week's heavy fall on his head and neck.

Force: Pat Dellit, Nick Cummins, Rory Sidey, James O'Connor, David Smith, Willie Ripia, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, Jono Jenkins, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe (c), Sam Wykes, Tim Fairbrother, Ben Whittaker, Kieran Longbottom

Reserves: Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan, Tom Hockings, Tevita Metuisela, James Stannard, Gene Fairbanks, Alfie Mafi

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, perth-6000

First posted April 15, 2011 14:21:00

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Rebels confirm O'Connor coup

Updated June 18, 2011 16:17:00

Wallabies sensation James O'Connor has committed to helping the Melbourne Rebels climb off the bottom of the Super Rugby competition ladder by signing with the club for two years.

The 20-year-old utility back will link with good friend and Wallabies' team-mate Kurtley Beale, who will leave the New South Wales Waratahs for the Rebels in 2012.

The star backline duo will dramatically strengthen a Rebels line-up which has struggled this season, finishing in last position in its debut campaign.

The Rebels, who rounded off their year with their ninth successive loss - 27-24 to O'Connor's Force at AAMI Park on Friday night - also announced they had lured another Perth player, Mitch Inman, to Melbourne for two years.

They have also signed hard-working hooker Ged Robinson, one of the finds for the club, for a further two years.

O'Connor was expected to remain with the Force, where he had played the past four Super Rugby seasons, but negotiations broke down on Wednesday and he agreed to terms with the Rebels.

He also extended his contract with the Australian Rugby Union.

Ahead of this year's World Cup in New Zealand, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was thrilled to keep O'Connor in the Australian set-up for at least another two seasons.

Now a regular in the Test side, O'Connor started 2011 having played more Tests for his country (27) than he had played Super Rugby matches for the Western Force (25).

"This is great news. It provides certainty, both for James and for Australian Rugby," Deans said.

"While James has already made a significant impact in his career to date, there is a lot more that can be achieved and he is striving for that.

"We are all going to be working hard to make sure that there is a lot more to come."

O'Connor is the 18th existing Test player to extend his contract with Australian Rugby this year, with the threat of a mass exodus following the World Cup not eventuating.

"I never doubted his commitment to Australian Rugby and the Wallabies - that shows in his everyday work," Deans said.

"But James has been prudent in assessing all of his options, especially at state level, prior to determining what was best for him, and settling on his future path.

"That is one of his qualities. James is very attentive to the detail, both in his match preparation but obviously also in his life.

"He is thorough in his preparation and covers everything. That is a habit that has served him well to date in his career and will quite clearly be of benefit moving forward."

Rebels chief operating officer Steve Boland said the acquisition of O'Connor was another important step for the club.

"James is one of the most promising talents in world rugby and we are delighted that he is joining the Rebels," Boland said.

"James' ambitions are very much in line with ours at the Rebels.

"We don't just want good rugby players, but also individuals who are willing to challenge themselves. Balance in life is an important part of our club."

Boland said today that Robinson's re-signing was as significant as any of the club's recent announcements.

"With a lot of hard work and a steely determination to succeed, Ged has become one of the club's most consistent performers this season."

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, vic, melbourne-3000, wa, perth-6000

First posted June 18, 2011 12:21:00

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Force remains strong without O'Connor

Expires:Wednesday, September 14, 2011 7:24

The Western Force is optimistic about the future despite failing to re-sign Wallabies star James O'Connor.

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Tags: rugby-union, perth-6000

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O'Connor quits Western Force

Expires:Tuesday, September 13, 2011 7:20

James O'Connor has announced he will be quitting the Western Force at the end of the 2011 Super Rugby season.

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Tags: rugby-union, wa

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Force still waiting on O'Connor

Updated June 09, 2011 17:45:08

Western Force chief executive Vern Reid says the Perth-based franchise will not rest easy until James O'Connor has put pen to paper on a new contract.

O'Connor is seemingly certain to stay at the Force next season, with his management already telling Australia's remaining Super Rugby franchises that he will not be coming their way.

However, the 20-year-old cannot sign on with the Force until his Australian Rugby Union (ARU) contract is sorted.

Reid says although the Force are confident of keeping O'Connor, the club will be in a state of limbo until the deal is finalised.

"All I can really say to you today is we are hopeful that we can conclude an arrangement with James. It's not concluded yet and my understanding is neither is his ARU contract," he said.

"So we are in a state of limbo and the situation for the Western Force and James O'Connor going forward still has some distance to go.

"I'm pleased where we are, but equally if there are issues that are yet to be resolved, then the market would be open and the game would be back on."

Reid says the Force hope they can settle on a deal in the next few days, but admits it is not done yet "by any stretch".

- AAP

Tags: super-14, perth-6000

First posted June 09, 2011 12:35:00

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O'Connor set to stay in Perth

Updated June 8, 2011 13:20:00

Rival Australian franchises have conceded defeat in the race to sign James O'Connor, admitting the Wallabies star is now likely to stay with the Western Force.

In-demand playmaker O'Connor, whose contract winds up at the end of the Super Rugby season, has been linked with all five Australian super rugby franchises.

But both Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan and Reds coach Ewen McKenzie have admitted talks with O'Connor amounted to nothing.

Fagan said although O'Connor is yet to confirm his decision, his manager informed the Brumbies yesterday of his intention to stay in Perth.

"That was his intention and I think he's still got some work to do with the ARU to finalise all of that, but he'll be staying in Perth," Fagan said.

"He thanked us for our offer and reaffirmed we were a genuine consideration, but this time we've missed out."

McKenzie admitted he had been resigned for some time to the notion Queensland would miss out on O'Connor's signature.

"We've been contacted and he won't be at the Reds," McKenzie said.

"Where he is going to be I don't know."

McKenzie said the delay meant O'Connor was unlikely to leave Perth.

"I've always said it is difficult to get people to leave and move around," he said.

"The longer it goes on, the less likely it is. I have always been, I guess, suspicious he wasn't coming our way for some time because it's been dragging on.

"I've been thinking more laterally for some time."

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, act, canberra-2600, wa, perth-6000

First posted June 8, 2011 12:29:00

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Force give up on O'Connor

Updated June 15, 2011 12:51:00

Western Force have resigned themselves to losing gun playmaker James O'Connor, who is reportedly set to jump ship and sign with Melbourne Rebels.

O'Connor was expected to re-sign for 2012 after rival clubs the Brumbies and the Reds gave up on his signature last week.

But Force boss Vern Reid announced the Perth club's offer to extend O'Connor's contract was taken off the table on Wednesday morning.

"We presented James with extremely generous terms which reflected his talent and standing at the Western Force," he said in a statement.

"We were fully committed to giving James every opportunity to continue his development... however it is clear his final decision has been based on other factors.

"We're still a young club and it is fundamental in our development that everyone is committed to building a cohesive culture.

"It is with a great deal of regret that we will farewell James, however we can be certain that we did everything we could to retain his services and that our offer was fair and reasonable."

It has been reported the Rebels are waiting for the Australian Rugby Union to sign off on the deal before announcing O'Connor's signature.

Should O'Connor indeed join the Rebels, the 20-year-old utility back will link with good friend and Wallabies teammate Kurtley Beale, who's leaving the Waratahs for Melbourne in 2012.

The star backline duo will dramatically strengthen a Rebels line-up that has struggled this season with the competition newcomers in last position on the Super Rugby table.

O'Connor has also played 27 Tests for the Wallabies and will be a key member of Robbie Deans' Wallabies squad at the upcoming World Cup in New Zealand.

-ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, vic, melbourne-3000, wa, perth-6000

First posted June 15, 2011 12:14:00

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Reds out of race for O'Connor

By Luke Pentony

Updated June 8, 2011 13:42:00

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie says he has been resigned for some time to the notion James O'Connor will not be joining the Reds next season.

The Reds have been notified by O'Connor's management he will not be moving to Brisbane in 2012 and it appears likely he will remain in Perth with Western Force.

McKenzie made contact with O'Connor in April when speculation grew he was unhappy at the Force and looking to move on beyond this season and it appeared the Reds had much in their favour in regard to signing the boom 20-year-old.

He attended Brisbane rugby nursery Nudgee and his family in based in Queensland, while the prospect of linking with close friend and fellow Wallabies star Quade Cooper was believed to be enticing.

However, both the Reds and Brumbies have been told O'Connor will not be wearing their colours next year, although Melbourne Rebels have not officially announced they are out of the running, despite media reports he has already decided to stay with the Force.

McKenzie was blunt when announcing at Ballymore on Wednesday that the Reds, who lead the Super Rugby ladder, have failed in their bid to recruit O'Connor.

"We've been contacted and he won't be at the Reds," he said.

"Where he is going to be I don't know."

McKenzie says the fact O'Connor's decision on his future had been delayed meant he was likely not to leave the Force.

"I've always said it is difficult to get people to leave and move around," he said.

"The longer it goes on, the less likely it is. I have always been, I guess, suspicious he wasn't coming our way for some time because it's been dragging on.

"I've been thinking more laterally for some time."

It has been reported that O'Connor will only sign a one-year contract extension if he stays with the Force to keep his options open in 2013, similar to the Reds deal penned by Cooper last month.

If so, the Reds could make a play for O'Connor again in 12 months time, although McKenzie was giving little away when asked about that prospect.

"I don't know the situation, I just know he won't be at the Reds [next year]," he said.

What might have been

McKenzie will get to see what the Reds missed out on when his troops meet O'Connor and the Force in Perth on Saturday night.

The Reds' mounting injury list has meant McKenzie has yet to finalised his matchday line-up, instead naming a 23-man squad for the trip west.

Among the inclusions is Rod Davies, who has not played since the round nine encounter against the Bulls at Lang Park on April 16 because of a knee injury.

The availability of Davies could not have come at a better time for the Reds, with backs Anthony Faingaa (hamstring), Ben Lucas (knee), Digby Ioane (concussion) all sidelined following the 22-14 loss to the Brumbies at Lang Park last Saturday night.

Inside centre Mike Harris is also still out of action because of a knee injury.

Davies, who was wearing heavy strapping on his knee at training on Wednesday, ignored suggestions he is returning early in light of the Reds injury crisis.

"It was either this week or against the Chiefs," he said.

"I was aiming to be back. My rehab has gone well. It's nothing like I have been rushed back."

Meanwhile, McKenzie is giving youth more chances with Reds Academy backs Jono Lance and Dallan Murphy included in his squad to travel to Perth.

Queensland squad:

Forwards: Ben Coridas, Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Liam Gill, James Hanson, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, James Horwill (c), Radike Samo, Jake Schatz, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Adam Wallace-Harrison

Backs: Will Chambers, Quade Cooper, Rod Davies, Will Genia, Jono Lance, Luke Morahan, Dallan Murphy, Ian Prior, Dom Shipperley, Ben Tapuai

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000, perth-6000

First posted June 8, 2011 13:18:00

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Force yet to finalise O'Connor deal

Expires:Wednesday, September 7, 2011 7:25

Super Rugby player James O'Connor is reportedly yet to sign a contract extension with the Western Force.

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Tags: rugby-union, wa

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O'Connor given more time to rest

Posted May 30, 2011 19:46:00

Western Force have decided against calling in the reinforcements for the second leg of their New Zealand tour, giving James O'Connor and company extra time to recover ahead of Saturday week's Super Rugby clash with Queensland.

O'Connor (neck/shoulder), half-back Brett Sheehan (leg), fly half Willie Ripia (calf) and Gene Fairbanks (leg) will miss Friday night's match with the Highlanders in Dunedin, leaving the Force to again field a threadbare backline.

Half-back James Stannard is set to fill in at fly half again, while Mark Swanepoel will play at nine for just his third cap.

They combined brilliantly in last week's 34-28 loss to the Hurricanes, and Force coach Richard Graham says there is little to benefit from recalling any players, who still had question marks over their fitness.

"I'm not bringing any of the (injured) boys over," Graham said.

"All of them are there thereabouts in terms of fitness but by the time they get over here they would only get to train with us at the captain's run.

"If you bring one or two in that would compromise the whole squad.

"Definitely they will all be fit and come back in contention for our game against the Reds on June 11.

"It's important to reward the group for their performance (against the Hurricanes), albeit we didn't get the result we were after."

The Force conceded two tries in the final 10 minutes against the Hurricanes to slump to their eighth loss of the season, a lapse that did not escape the attention of Graham.

"That's nine out of 13 that we've led at the 65th minute mark," Graham said.

"That (closing out games better) is something that we've tried to address."

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, perth-6000

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O'Connor out of depleted Force side

Posted May 25, 2011 11:06:00

Wallabies star James O'Connor is one of four prominent Western Force backs ruled out of Friday's Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in Palmerston North.

Scrum half Brett Sheehan, fly half Willie Ripia and centre Gene Fairbanks will also miss the trip across the Tasman due to injury, leaving the struggling Force to field a makeshift backline.

Coach Richard Graham said O'Connor had picked up several injury niggles in the past month and he had decided to rest him for a week after speaking with medical staff and a specialist.

The calf injury to Ripia means the New Zealander misses the chance to play against his former Super Rugby team and leaves the Force very short in the playmaker role where O'Connor has also appeared this season.

With regular starter Sheehan out of action, the Force called up Manly captain Chris Cottee from Sydney club rugby to their tour squad.

Fortunately the Force's all-time leading try-scorer, full-back/winger Cameron Shepherd, returns to action while centre Mitch Inman has also been included.

Up front Graham has the majority of his forward pack with former Hurricanes prop Tim Fairbrother coming into the squad in place of Pek Cowan who was ruled out after sustaining a broken cheekbone in last weekend's draw with the Brumbies.

The Force have also drafted in young loosehead prop Tetera Faulkner from Sydney club rugby on a short term injury replacement deal, having recently signed him for next season.

Graham said the injured quartet would be monitored to determine their availability should any of the tour party come under a fitness cloud ahead of the match against the Highlanders in Dunedin the following weekend.

"Obviously losing several quality performers in the backline, in particularly from half-back, isn't ideal but you play the hand you're dealt and well continue to prepare well for a big game against the Hurricanes on Friday night," Graham said.

"Nothing changes in terms of our expectations, we go into this game with the intent to perform to our best and get a positive result."

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, wa, perth-6000

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O'Connor bundles up by the Brumbies

Published: 22/05/2011 00:02:39

James O'Connor of the Force is wrapped up by the Brumbies defence during their Super Rugby match in Perth Saturday May 21, 2011.

James O'Connor of the Force is wrapped up by the Brumbies defence during their Super Rugby match in Perth Saturday May 21, 2011

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Reds hope O'Connor will join Cooper

Posted May 20, 2011 06:35:00

The Queensland Rugby Union hopes Quade Cooper's decision to re-sign will help lure rising star James O'Connor home to Queensland.

Cooper's new contract with the Australian Rugby Union will ensure he remains with the Reds until the end of next year.

Reds coach, Ewen McKenzie says he is optimistic he can entice O'Connor back to Brisbane.

"I'm confident. I mean while you're in it there's nothing to tell me that we aren't a prospect," he said.

"All the discussions we've had have been around a rugby-oriented decision.

"I think we can offer a fair bit in that space. I think Quade putting his hand up isn't going to hurt us either, he's obviously a good mate (to O'Connor)."

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000

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Force plays casual over O'Connor

The Western Force is refusing to pressure key playmaker James O'Connor into re-signing with the club in the Super Rugby competition.

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Tags: rugby-union, wa

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Force prepared to wait on O'Connor

Posted May 17, 2011 18:17:00

The continued uncertainty surrounding James O'Connor's Super Rugby future is not serving as a distraction to the Western Force, according to assistant coach Phil Blake.

The Force initially hoped a decision on O'Connor's future would be known by last week - when the Perth-based franchise had a bye.

But the club is still no closer to knowing whether it will be able to retain the star player, with a final decision potentially several weeks away.

The Reds, Force and Rebels lead the race to secure his signature.

Blake, the Force's defence and skills coach, understood why O'Connor was taking so long to make up his mind and said the club would not rush the 20-year-old into making a decision.

"It's a big decision," Blake said ahead of Saturday night's derby against the Brumbies in Perth.

"It's not dissimilar to a decision any adult makes in regards to their work environment.

"When you're talking the numbers and sums, it's a big commitment and he wants to make sure he picks the right franchise that enhances him as a footballer.

"It's a very big decision for any young individual so he's got to make sure he gets it right.

"We're very hopeful he will stay."

The Force are bracing themselves for a fired up Brumbies outfit after their coach Tony Rea publicly unleashed on his charges following last week's shock 29-20 loss to the last-placed Lions.

"They're going to come out firing," Force flanker Matt Hodgson predicted.

"They will come over here full of fire and energy."

The Brumbies' star-studded but injury-hit squad have won just two games this season and Blake said their struggles hadn't surprised him given they axed coach Andy Friend after just two rounds.

"When you sack your coach after two weeks it's always going to be hard," Blake said.

"I'm sure it has (caused a disruption)."

The Brumbies are set to welcome back skipper Rocky Elsom from a long-term hamstring injury, but Force full-back Cameron Shepherd will miss another week due to a knee injury.

Blake said Force fans could expect to see a more entertaining style of rugby for the remainder of the season after the club's bland 20-15 loss to the Waratahs two weeks ago received widespread criticism.

"We want to play a certain style of football over the next five weeks that will not only assure us victory, but also entertain the crowd," he said.

"It's a good opportunity ... to try things. There's a lot for us to really get out of this season.

"If we can possibly win five, that's what our aim is."

Meanwhile, former Chiefs lock Toby Lynn will link up with the Force next season after signing a two-year deal with the Perth-based franchise.

The 26-year-old, who notched 32 appearances for the Chiefs, is eligible to play for the Wallabies due to his Australian-born grandfather.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, wa, perth-6000

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