Can O’Connor save the Reds?

Exiled Wallaby star James O’Connor has made it very clear that he wants to return home in order to stand a chance to play in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but despite all odds against him, he may have just found his way back into the fold of the gold jersey.

At the end of 2013, O’Connor was left with little choice regarding his future rugby prospects, as no Australian franchise wanted the star, who had been dealing with numerous off-field misdemeanors. O’Connor was labelled as a “bad boy” and his actions said to not align with club cultures. That said, there’s no denying that O’Connor is a world-class player, and even though his homeland couldn’t accomodate him, the Northern Hemisphere could.

O’Connor joined London Irish on a short-term deal, which saw him be exposed to the harsh conditions and tactical environment of northern rugby – and it’s evident that O’Connor has come a long way since he first left for his excursion.

O’Connor’s contributions to London Irish are immeasurable, as he led them to numerous wins with his accurate boot, elusive running and sleight of hand, and he looks to have also grown-up off the field.

With O’Connor set to play out the season with his countrymen Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell for the remainder of the season at Toulon, it looked as if O’Connor’s World Cup ambitions were dashed, but with rumours swirling of a return to the Reds, and a surprise announcement that Reds utility back Mike Harris will be joining the Melbourne Rebels new season, it looks as if a spot has opened up for the 23-year-old.

James O’Connor and Quade Cooper could be a formidable Super Rugby combination.

With the departure of Reds utility Mike Harris to the Rebels, O’Connor could have his chance to redeem his name in his home country and prove that he has what it takes to play in another World Cup, and in all honesty, the Reds could use him.

The 2011 Super Rugby champions have had a lacklustre year to say the least. The usual dangerous duo of Will Genia and Quade Cooper haven’t been themselves, with most teams learning the threats they pose and shutting them down within the opening minutes. The depth of the Reds’ playmaking options has also been exposed this season, with the only backup to Cooper now lying with Ben Lucas, who while impressive, doesn’t offer the creativity of Cooper, or rather, O’Connor.

O’Connor could then stake his claim to inject some life into the Reds’ backline, and wherever he plays, offering another threat outside of Cooper and Genia – which is something the Reds are in desperate need of. O’Connor’s ability to play flyhalf, centre, fullback or on the wing answers a lot of the Reds’ problems and could add some unpredictability to their gameplan. The likes of Ben Tapuai and Chris Feauai-Sautia are dangerous runners – but need the second receiver or link in the midfield to put them into space, and that’s something O’Connor could easily provide.

There’s no question whether Cooper and O’Connor could survive in the same backline, as they’ve always proven to shine together while wearing Wallaby colours, so there’s no reason they can’t have the same impact in Super Rugby. On’y time will tell if O’Connor can get the nod from the Reds’ management to join their ranks, but for all intensive purposes, there’s no real reason they shouldn’t.