Veteran poised to break back in
Wallabies eyeing ‘Rabs’
A BROKEN arm suffered by fullback Tom Banks has presented Wallabies coach Dave Rennie with the ideal opportunity to recall fit-again star James O’connor to Australia’s backline for Saturday night’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Townsville.
Banks is set to be sidelined for at least six weeks after fracturing his forearm in the firsthalf of the Wallabies’ impressive 30-17 weekend win over world champions South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.
Reece Hodge replaced Banks, and while his kicking in general play was impressive, he dropped several high balls, putting the Australians under unnecessary pressure.
While the versatile O’connor wasn’t in the 23, the Queensland Reds skipper has overcome a groin injury and is fit to play.
His usual flyhalf position isn’t an option, such has been the form of born-again 33year-old Quade Cooper in Australia’s back-to-back wins over the Springboks.
However, he is no stranger to the fullback role, with Banks’ injury presenting Rennie with the chance to field key pair Cooper and O’connor in the same starting team.
“It’s great to have ‘Rabs’ back in the mix,” Rennie said of the 31-year-old O’connor, who has 55 caps under his belt.
“He’s ready to go. He’s come back in fantastic nick.
“He’s another very experienced player. We’ll make a call around that (selection) in the next few days.”
Rennie sympathised with
Brumbies custodian Banks, whose injury could cost him a spot on the Wallabies’ spring tour of Japan and the United Kingdom.
“I feel for Tom. We’ll get a bit of clarity around whether it impacts on our end-of-season tour,” Rennie said.
The Wallabies’ latest win over the Springboks will move them to third in the world when the latest rankings are released on Monday.
It’s winning form that has Rennie reluctant to make too many changes against an Argentine side last on the Rugby Championship ladder with no points from four matches, including a weekend 36-13 loss to New Zealand.
“We’ve talked about earning the right to play. If guys are fronting up on Saturday, the chances are they are going to be close to the mix the following week,” Rennie said.
“We’ve had a good look at Argentina. There may be a couple of tweaks based on what we think is going to be important … but we want to reward guys that are playing well.”