James O'Connor handed No15 for Test run-on

Bret Harris | June 09, 2009 The Australian

TEENAGE sensation James O'Connor is set to make his Test rugby union run-on debut against Italy on Saturday.

O'Connor, 18, will start against the Azzurri at Canberra Stadium at fullback _ a position Wallabies coach Robbie Deans believes he is best suited at this stage of his career.

Coincidentally he made his Test debut off the bench at fullback against Italy in Padua last November and started in the No15 jersey against the Barbarians at Wembley last December.

Only a shoulder injury prevented him from playing in the custodian role against the Barbarians in Sydney last Saturday.

Adam Ashley-Cooper started in the No15 in the Wallabies' convincing 55-7 win at the Sydney Football Stadium.

O'Connor scored a try coming of the bench in the final 12 minutes of the match and looked sharp throughout his brief time on the field.



http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html