Youthful Wallabies to tackle Europe
Teenager James O'Connor is set to become the second-youngest player ever to pull on an Australia jersey after being named in the squad to tour Europe later this year.
Teenager James O'Connor is set to become the second-youngest player ever to pull on an Australia jersey after being named in the squad to tour Europe later this year.
The 18-year-old utility back was one of four new caps unveiled in Robbie Deans' 34-man squad on Tuesday, joining Western Force team-mate David Pocock, Reds fly-half Quade Cooper and Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu.
Reds winger Digby Ioane and Brumbies lock Mark Chisholm also return after being omitted from Australia's squad for the Tri-Nations.
All players from the Tri-Nations squad – including the injured Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri and Wycliff Palu – were retained apart from flanker Rocky Elsom and lock Dan Vickerman who have have moved to Europe. Elsom has signed for Ireland's Leinster, while Vickerman will play amateur rugby after opting to resume his studies in Cambridge.
Australia will face New Zealand in Hong Kong on November 1 in the first off-shore Bledisloe Cup contest.
Tests against Italy, England, France and Wales will follow before a match against the Barbarians, which marks the 100th anniversary of the first Australia tour of the United Kingdom in 1908.
At 18 years and 80 days, O'Connor would become the second-youngest Australia debutant behind Brian Ford, who was 18 years and 90 days when he ran out against New Zealand in Brisbane in 1957.
Deans says the introduction of four further new caps, following on from the eight players who made their debuts earlier in the year during the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series, will broaden the depth of Australian rugby.
“There is a development aspect to some of the selections we have made today,” said Deans.
This was especially a factor in the selection of O'Connor.
The teenager completed his freshman Super Rugby campaign with four caps to his name, before adding to his experience on the Force's recent development tour of the United Kingdom.
“James' inclusion at this juncture is not a decision we have made lightly,” said Deans.
“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.
“Obviously, his is a special circumstance. He has been included primarily to learn his trade, but we believe he has a lot to offer now, and will only build on that with the experience he will gain in our environment during the next two months.”
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.