Deans turns to teenage ace

O'Connor handed chance to shine for the Wallabies

Last updated: 23rd September 2008

Deans turns to teenage ace

O'Connor: Australian call up

Related links

Teams

Also see

James O'Connor is poised to become the second youngest player to play for the Wallabies after the teenager was named in the Australia squad to tour Europe.

The 18-year-old, a utility back for Western Force, is one of four new caps named in the 34-man squad that will face New Zealand, Italy, England, France, Wales and the Barbarians.

And coach Robbie Deans insists that O'Connor has a promising international future ahead of him.

"James' inclusion at this juncture is not a decision we have made lightly," Deans said.

"He is a young man with a bright future. We believe he is good to go in terms of starting his development as an international player."

Joining O'Connor in the squad are fellow new caps David Pocock, Quade Cooper and Sekope Kepu.

The injured quartet of Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri and Wycliff Palu have also been included - with only Rocky Elsom and Dan Vickerman missing from Australia's Tri-Nations squad.

Elsom has joined Leinster, while Vickerman is now playing amateur rugby to concentrate on his studies at Cambridge.

Australia squad - Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Matt Giteau, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Drew Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (captain), James O'Connor, Brett Sheehan, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Lachlan Turner.
Forwards: Ben Alexander, Al Baxter, Richard Brown, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Adam Freier, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Hugh McMeniman, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Phil Waugh.