News

Dream come true for O'Connor

September 23 2008

Teenager James O'Connor described his inclusion in Robbie Deans' 34-man Australia squad for the upcoming end-of-year tour of Europe as a dream come true.

The 18-year-old will become the second youngest player to play for Australia behind Brian Ford should he take to the field in the upcoming six-match tour.

The Western Force utility back was holidaying with friends on Queensland's Stradbroke Island when he received word of his shock selection on Sunday.

The news was clearly still yet to sink in at Australian Rugby Union headquarters, when he was officially named alongside fellow newcomers David Pocock, Quade Cooper and Sekope Kepu.

"It definitely came as a big surprise," said O'Connor.

"When I got the call I was overwhelmed, I had three hours to get to the plane and come over here (to Sydney). It's a dream come true."

Despite growing media speculation suggesting he was in line for a call-up, the 2007 Australian Schoolboys representative insists he had not given the tour a second thought.

"I had no expectations, I didn't even think about it at all," he said.

"I've been away in Europe for the last two months and then came straight home to the Gold Coast and went to Stradbroke so I haven't really been paying that much attention (to rugby) to be honest."

Although clearly still coming to terms with his inclusion, O'Connor declared himself ready for the international arena and welcomed the chance to train alongside the best players the country has to offer.

"I've experienced Super 14 level and I just want see if I can make that step up," he added.

"I've seen (Matt) Giteau and all those guys at (Western Force) training so I just want to watch some of the other players and just learn from them, pick up some of their skills and knowledge that they have to offer me."

But the magnitude of Test selection is not lost on the confident teenager.

"If I get the chance to put on the Australian jersey it'll be an honour, especially knowing that I'm one of the youngest guys ever, that'd be overwhelming," he said.

Deans said O'Connor has proved he has the talent and now must work hard to be selected in the team.

"He's what you'd probably describe as a talent right now," said Deans.

"He's capable of playing in a number of positions but we don't tend to stress too much over those details, they solve themselves over time.

"But the opportunity for him now is to add to his skill-set and to learn some team skills because essentially talent gets you into this position but then it's your ability to work with the people around you, and off the people around you, that will be the point of difference."

The other new caps had all been on the radar since the Super 14, Deans said.

Cooper - born in New Zealand of Maori parentage - and Pocock were not considered for the Wallabies squad earlier in the year, instead being released to attend the U20 World Cup in Wales.

Pocock captained the Australian squad at that tournament.

Cooper's position was helped by the absence of Kurtley Beale (Waratahs) who missed out on a touring spot as he continues to recover from his Super 14 final injury.

Kepu, who is a former New Zealand age-group representative, made his debut for the Waratahs earlier in the year, appearing four times in the Super 14.

A former number eight, the 22-year-old attended the same high school as rugby legend Jonah Lomu, South Auckland's Wesley College.

Kepu converted to the front row three years ago, and performed strongly for Australia A during the Pacific Nations Cup tournament. He has also acted as propping cover for the Wallabies at training during various stages in the domestic season.