James O’Connor included in Wallabies squad for Ireland battle - Rugby World Cup News
James O’Connor, who missed the first match of Rugby World Cup 2011 due to a ban, has been recalled by the Wallabies selectors to face Ireland at Eden Park, Auckland on September 17. O’Connor was dropped from Wallabies side for two matches after missing the
RWC squad ceremony. He had missed the title deciding match of the Tri-Nations against New Zealand due to the same reason. Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans, confirmed on September 15 that O’Connor will replace injured Digby Ioane at the position of number 14.
James O’Connor will mark his first appearance in the current global showpiece because of the injury to winger Digby Ioane. Ioane sustained a thumb injury during the opening encounter against Italy on September 11 and ultimately was ruled our for an indefinite
period. The injured winger will be required to have surgery on his thumb to overcome the problem.
James O’Connor has been preferred over Drew Mitchell for this particular change as Wallabies has made just one personal and one positional change for a much anticipated clash against Ireland. Making the announcement for the Wallabies final squad for their
up coming clash, Deans welcomed O’Connor back in his side and appreciated his behaviour after being sidelined.
Applauding the young O’Connor, Robbie Deans further said that, “Well done off the bench, he did a good job off the bench. He will speak for himself, but I've got no doubt he's less likely to take that jersey for granted in the future.”
While talking about the injury of Digby Ioane, the coach said that, “While it is disappointing for Digby that he is going to be on the sidelines for a while, we are confident he will be available to us again before too long. His timelines will depend on
how his rehabilitation goes, but the operation on Tuesday night went well.”
Wallabies will be battling the Irish side with following players:
Wallabies: 15-Kurtley Beale, 14-James O'Connor, 13-Anthony Fainga'a, 12-Pat McCabe, 11-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10-Quade Cooper, 9-Will Genia, 8-Radike Samo, 7-David Pocock, 6-Rocky Elsom, 5-James Horwill (captain), 4-Dan Vickerman, 3-Ben Alexander,
2-Stephen Moore, 1-Sekope Kepu.
Replacements: 16-Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17-James Slipper, 18-Rob Simmons, 19-Ben McCalman, 20-Scott Higginbotham, 21-Luke Burgess, 22-Drew Mitchell.
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