Force teen booked for special date

[lara93]

Force teen booked for special date
31st July 2008, 9:45 WST





Teenage fly-half James O’Connor will oppose England legend Jonny Wilkinson when the Western Force kick off their England tour against the Newcastle Falcons tomorrow week.

Force coach John Mitchell yesterday named O’Connor, 18, to start in the No. 10 jersey at Kingston Park where, according to the Sunday Sun newspaper serving England’s northeast, Wilkinson should resume for the Falcons, if only for a half.

Wilkinson, who won England the 2003 World Cup with an extra-time dropped goal, has recovered from shoulder surgery in May and wants to not only start playing competitively, but participate in an event which is the highlight of Matt Burke’s farewell from the Falcons.

The testimonials for the former Wallaby start next Monday with a Twenty20 cricket match between the Force and Falcons. The Force will arrive in Newcastle tomorrow.


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[oxleymoron]

Rabbit, tear the so called "legend" to shreds.

[force addict]

i reckon he will have no trouble doing that; my friend follows European rugby closely and said that Johnny has been off his game for a while now

[gotheforce]

dont even need to follow the game to know that Jonny has been off form since the world cup. JOC plays 10 for cott, so he shld be going in with some experience. Hopefully he gets to play at 12 as well, cos i reckon thats where he's best at. Give him the ball with more space and time and let him work his magic.

Been told a couple of guys from the academy have pulled out of the tour after injuries picked up in the trial match. I think Barry Mansfield's one of them. really unlucky. he played well at wing in the trial.

[robyn <3]

i think rabbit should show wilkinson hes made of pretty strong stuff! there is no way wilkinsion could be 100% after an operation like that, and i hope JOC takes advantage of that in a nice way...

good luck james!!

wish we could see the boys on tv

[Thequeerone]

Interesting article - Scott Daruda is tipped to step up in a big way on this tour as well.

[gustafsl]

11 Mitchell
10 Giteau
12 O'Connor
13 Cross
14 Staniforth
15 Shepherd

this could be the best back line in world rugby next season.

[lara93]

i cant wait for this clash!
go get em JOC!!!

[lara93]

11 Mitchell
10 Giteau
12 O'Connor
13 Cross
14 Staniforth
15 Shepherd

this could be the best back line in world rugby next season.

it sure wouldbe..cant wait!

[Thequeerone]

11 Mitchell
10 Giteau
12 O'Connor
13 Cross
14 Staniforth
15 Shepherd

this could be the best back line in world rugby next season.

Not worried about that worried bout injuries etc..
second string
10: Daruda
11: Cummins
12: Pelessa
13: Haylett Petty
14: Tatupu
15: Haig Sare

but the really instresting question next year is the new Brown - Caleb - got to be a starter so who is he going to displace : guessing either Staniforth or O'Connor money would be placed on O'Conor until he has more game time - really wanting match reports from this tour - really really nice dilemma

[brokendown gunfighter]

No number 9 guys?

[force addict]

O'Young.
Or Valentine?

[BLR]

Not worried about that worried bout injuries etc..
second string
10: Daruda
11: Cummins
12: Pelessa
13: Haylett Petty
14: Tatupu
15: Haig Sare

but the really instresting question next year is the new Brown - Caleb - got to be a starter so who is he going to displace : guessing either Staniforth or O'Connor money would be placed on O'Conor until he has more game time - really wanting match reports from this tour - really really nice dilemma

Good but Tatupu would be 13 Brown would be 14 and Haylett on the bench.

[TOCC]

11 Mitchell
10 Giteau
12 O'Connor
13 Cross
14 Staniforth
15 Shepherd

this could be the best back line in world rugby next season.

haha

[JediKnight]

Watch this space for an update on both the Twenty20 cricket challenge & the rugby next week......I'm currently en route to the UK. Em & I are heading down to Newcastle for a few Ales!!!