Wallabies give nod to James O’Connor for trip

Australia will ask James O’Connor to fill in for Quade Cooper when they arrive on this side of the world for two Tests later this month.

Cooper injured his knee badly at the World Cup and the fly-half will be out until well into next year so coach Robbie Deans has thrown the jersey to O’Connor for the games against the Barbarians on November 26 and Wales on December 3.

Cooper had a shocking time in New Zealand, where none of his fancy passing or risky moves came off and many Aussies may be happy enough that his injury forces a change at the pivotal spot.

O’Connor had a solid if unspectacular tournament at full-back and now he gets a shot in the more influential No10 shirt.

Deans said: "It's very likely he (O'Connor) will get the opportunity to step up and accept some of the greater responsibility that comes with directing the game.

"He is 21 now and starting to grow into his body. As he gets older he will be more able to cope with the rigours of the frontline.

"He has expressed (a desire) that over time it's an area he'd like to play. Given our circumstance, it's possible you might see him there."

Three uncapped players were selected - Ben Tapuai, Ben Lucas and Dave Dennis – but most of the rest are familiar faces.

How they will react when they come face-to-face with some of the Irish lads in Barbarians shirts remains to be seem but we would like to see Sean O’Brien take on David Pocock. Graham Henry and Steve Hansen (Barbarians coaches); make it happen.

Australian squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Pekahou Cowan, Dave Dennis, Anthony Faingaa, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, Rob Horne, James Horwill (capt), Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Salesi Ma'afu, Ben McCalman, Stephen Moore, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Ben Tapuai, Lachie Turner.