15 Jun 2009

From fullback to the front line for Wallabies whiz kid

6:23 am on 15 June 2009

James O'Connor might be wowing them at fullback but the Wallabies coach Robbie Deans believes the teenage sensation will ultimately develop into a midfield general.

O'Connor etched his name in the history books in Australia's 31-8 victory over Italy at Canberra Stadium becoming the first player to score three tries in his first Test.

Deans says fullback is an ideal entrance to the Test arena for O'Connor but, like many before him, including Stephen Larkham, the 18-year-old will probably end up at five-eighth or inside centre.

He says O'Connor's a rare talen with great footwork, skills and courage but he's still a young man and they don't want him exposed to that week-in, week-out battering players tend to get in the front line.