James O'Connor

[Lions1024]

BUMP


O'Connor is playing for the rebels next year. i is official. He turned his back on the force. (who could blame him)

It's the other way around. Must be a empty feeling for James... knowing that the club you want to stay in doesn't want you.

The Force needs to be applauded. Most clubs (in the world) wouldn't even consider walking away from a player like JOC. But in the end, the club can't be held to ransom by JOC. I don't know what I think of James anymore, sounds like a bit of a mercenary.

I hope most clubs can learn from this debacle.

 

[Byron_Clanger]

Meh, it's only Rugby, won't make much noise over here

 

[Swans120]

Good input.

 

[Bombers_Forever]

If he was going to move, the Reds would have been a much better option, even if the money wasn't. Playing in a successful team and closer to his family on the Goldie. Good on the Force for thier stance.

 

[shavedham2kg]

Haha I think the guy posting to start Cooper at 12 must be Ma'a Nonu!

No doubt Australia is going to have a brilliant backline.

Australia's speed/agility/dexterity against New Zealand's Size/strength/force

Will be interesting to see what comes out on top.

 

[Swans120]

Spanner thrown in the works with Barnes out indefinitely.

Backline might look like this to begin with if I was picking it, until Barnes and Mitchell are right to return from injury:

9. Genia (lock)
10. Cooper (lock)
11. Ioane (lock)
12. JOC (don't want Giteau, but from what I've heard I reckon he is a big chance now Barnes is out)
13. AAC (I'd still pick him here despite a poor S15, brilliant outside Quade, Genia)
14. Morahan (JOC here if Giteau is picked at 12)
15. Beale (lock)

When Mitchell and Barnes are back in Mitchell in on the bench to start with and Barnes to 12, JOC out to the wing. But I reckon given a chance, JOC might really flourish at 12 and Deans might keep him there.

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

Agree with all that Swanny.