O’ Connor is a changed man
Melbourne – Reds coach Brad Thorn believes James O’Connor’s transformation from rugby bad boy to leadership material is nearing completion after he led them to a record victory over New South Wales Waratahs in the Super Rugby AU season-opener.
O’Connor was the second-youngest Wallaby in Australian rugby history at the age of 18, but struggled to hold down his place and twice left for European stints as a series of drug and alcohol-related episodes followed him.
But O’Connor’s record in recent years has been spotless and Thorn said his appointment to the captaincy shows the 30-yearold has regained respect of his team- mates on and off the field.
“James’ story, to captain his state, is really cool and I know it means a lot to him and I’m really proud of him,” Thorn said after the Reds won 41-7 on Friday.
“I’m not sure if James remembers, but when he first came in we had that chat around the narrative around him.
“We all love a redemption story and he’s done that and most importantly. he’s done it through his actions.”
Replacing the injured skipper Liam Wright, O’Connor, had a flawless night from the tee, kicking two penalties and five conversions, and played an integral role in the try that sealed victory.
Despite their strong start, O’Connor believes the Reds still have some room for improvement.
Valladolid – Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said he will not be taking any risks with striker Karim Benzema when his side play away to Atalanta in Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg, even with his side seriously short on striking options.
Benzema, Real’s top scorer with 17 goals in all competitions, was one of nine players injured for Saturday’s La Liga match away to Real Valladolid, where they scraped a 1-0 victory, to move within three points of leaders Atletico Madrid.
Mariano Diaz was the lone striker against Valladolid due to the absence of Benzema, while wide forwards Eden Hazard and Rodrygo are also injured for the trip to Italy.
“We’re going to take any risks with Benzema because there’s a long way to go in the season, and many games left to play,” Zidane told reporters. –
Christchurch – New Zealand and Australia go into a five-match Twenty20 series in Christchurch today with one eye on winning the series and one on the World Cup in India later this year.
Rival captains Kane Williamson and Aaron Finch said yesterday the series offered a chance to look at the potential balance of their squads ahead of the championship eight months away.
“The first aim is to win the series but there’s also a bit of information-grabbing throughout the series with guys in some different roles,” Australia captain Finch said.
Preparation has not been ideal for Australia, who were scheduled to end their 14 days in managed isolation as part of New Zealand’s strict Covid-19 regulations yesterday – 24 hours ahead of the first match.
Neither captain was prepared to name their line up for game one. –