Rennie resists reunion of stars
WALLABIES coach Dave Rennie has left the door open for Quade Cooper and James O’connor starting together in Australia’s backline – just not yet.
A lack of recent football has led to fit-again Queensland Reds star O’connor missing selection in Australia’s 23-man squad for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.
Cooper will again start at flyhalf after his match-winning performance last weekend against the Springboks in his return to Test rugby after a four-year absence.
While O’connor was the Wallabies’ first-choice flyhalf before his lengthy stint on the sidelines, his utility value has him more than capable of being used at fullback.
It’s a selection move that was this week endorsed by Wallabies greats Chris Latham and Elton Flatley, who want Cooper and O’connor in the same backline.
While Tom Banks will again wear the Australian No.15 jersey on Saturday, Rennie is open to the idea of O’connor playing fullback.
“We would definitely not have played him at fullback a couple of months ago and prior to that because from a highspeed running perspective, he just hasn’t hit any decent numbers for the last couple of years,” Rennie said of O’connor. “But he’s worked really hard and he’s the sharpest I’ve seen him.
“He’s definitely into the physical shape where we think we could use him as a utility as opposed to just a 10 (flyhalf).”
Banks, who has started in all of Australia’s Test matches this year, is well aware that O’con
nor is lurking. “James is a fantastic player,” Banks said.
“He showed what he can do in Super Rugby and there’s always going to be competition for spots, so you’ve just got to keep performing.”
Cooper will start alongside a different halves partner on Saturday, with Nic White getting the nod ahead of Tate Mcdermott for the halfback role.
It’s one of three changes to Australia’s side that started in the Wallabies’ two-point defeat of the Springboks last Sunday night.
The other two changes for the Suncorp Stadium battle come in the front row, where props James Slipper and Taniela Tupou replace Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa, who has returned to Canberra for the birth of his child.
Skipper Michael Hooper will this weekend overtake George Gregan for most Tests as Wallabies captain.
Having first led the Wallabies as a 22-year-old in 2014, Hooper will captain Australia for the 60th time on Saturday.
Rennie said he would be “gobsmacked” if people questioned flanker Hooper’s playing ability.
“People’s opinions are often reflected on the success of a team, and he’s been the captain, so because the team loses and he’s the skipper that responsibility is on him,” Rennie said. “He’s a Wallabies great.”