In the mould of Horan, with Latham's "socks down" appraoch?

Australian born, James O’Connor may have been eligible to play for any of the Tri Nations teams, through New Zealand born parents and a South African born grandmother, but sticking in OZ was definitely the right decision for the second youngest ever Australian to debut for the Wallabies.

His rise on the professional scene happened rapidly through a change of the guard, in Robbie Deans taking over as national coach, and Australia going through a rebuilding phase which enabled them to blood some new, exciting young players. Since then, it doesn’t seem like this fleet-footed, multi-talented, “utility” back has looked back.

BlogSpotRugby caught up with James O’Connor and asked him a few quick questions regarding the 2010 Super 14

Here Goes:

• Dooley: They call you “Rabbit”, how did that come about?

James: I got the nickname Rabbit when I first started playing rugby league. My coach gave me the nickname, because before I could catch, I was stepping and darting off both feet and the name just stuck.

• Dooley: You ruptured your spleen in 2006, how did that happen and what went into coming back from something so serious to smash your way onto the professional scene in 2008, as the youngest player ever to do so in Super Rugby?

James: I ruptured my spleen whilst playing a game of boarders rugby at Nudgee College. The aim of the game is to pretty much put on the biggest hits possible and I happened to come off second best in a tackle with a mate of mine! In terms of coming back, I recovered pretty quickly after being bed ridden for 2 weeks. I played 7 weeks later in the Australian u16 championships.

• Dooley: You chose to stay with the Force this year, are you looking forward to playing alongside Springbok, Andre Pretorius?

James: I always wanted to stay in Perth, it’s a great environment to play rugby and I’m very much enjoying being coached by John Mitchel and playing for the Force! Andre is a great guy and a very smart footballer. I’m already taping into his resources and can’t wait to play with him.

• Dooley: You’ve been compared to the likes of Wallaby legend, and perhaps the best centre of all time, Tim Horan. Given the choice to stick to, would you choose the #12 or #15 jumper though?

James: To be honest, I just want to play rugby, it doesn’t really bother me where I play. As long as I can get my hands on the ball, I’m happy.

• Dooley: How is the build up to the 2010 Super 14 going as far as training and team expectations?

James: The team is gelling very well, training’s been pretty intense, but it’s all coming together. We’re actually over in SA at the moment training, and about to have our first trial, which I’m really looking forward to.