Should the Blues Approach James O’Connor?

James O'Connor v BI Lions
By Andrew Collins
July 8 2013

He’s either the Gavin Henson or James Hook of Australian Rugby, and he’s been released from his contract with the Melbourne Rebels. Would you sign James O’Connor?

Melbourne Rebels have announced that they are to release Australian back James O’Connor at the end of this season, along with hooker Ged Robinson and Cardiff’s own Gareth Delve. Despite playing every minute of Australia’s series against the Lions at fly half, the Rebels have chosen let the 23 year old go after a number of injury issues and off-field concerns.

He shares a number of eerily similar traits with Welshman James Hook, although there are fears he is more comparable to Henson. O’Connor is a rugby maverick. He has genius oozing out of half his pores – the exceptional solo try he scored in the third test being evidence of this – while reports suggest there is alcohol oozing from the other half…

Perhaps that’s a little harsh, but a recent late night session with team mate Kurtly Beale and subsequent petty squabble with the press did little to redefine that reputation.

Similarly to Hook and Henson, he’s one of those players annoyingly labelled a ‘utility back’, which implies great adaptability, but also suggests a lack of perfection in any one role. He has been used at fly half, centre, winger and full back in recent times, though he himself says “I feel more comfortable at 12 as a second ball player. I also like 15. You definitely get a lot of space. I just want to get on the field whether it is 10, 12 or 15."

Like Henson, he has also been very unlucky with injuries in his short time with the rebels.

However, from a Blues point of view, there are a huge number of benefits to signing a player like O’Connor.

With the Blues desperately short of a creative spark last season, O’Connor could make an incredible difference. His pace, creativity and extensive skill set would make him a natural successor to Casey Laulala, and could be signed using the money gained from losing Jamie Roberts.

At just 23 years of age, he hasn’t even hit his prime. He's amassed a hugely impressive 40 Australian caps, showing a vast experience of rugby at the highest level, yet it appears O’Connor has effectively been written off in Australia.

That in itself would make him the ideal purchase for Cardiff, who constantly lose a heard of players Welsh internationals every Autumn and 6 Nations. Having a player of O'Connor's ability all year round would extremely beneficial.

And, although it’s an annoying term which can harm a young player’s career, he is a ‘utility back’, something which would be a massive asset to a side who have a small, inexperienced squad.

Peter Thomas has been out in Australia following the Lions tour, but is aparently also looking to do business whilst he’s there. On Twitter, Richard Holland admitted that an outside half and a centre are on their wish list, while O’Connor would also certainly be seen as the long-awaited marquee signing ahead of next season.

To borrow a phrase used by Shaun Edwards (regarding the Welsh blitz defence), signing O’Connor is one of those ‘high risk, high reward’ decisions. He would be pricey, could face long spells on the side-lines and has the potential to ruin his own career through off-the-field misdemeanours. However, a fit, firing O’Connor is one the most exciting players in the world. At club level, he has the ability tear defences apart with a side-step or offload.

is he the unutilised genius of James Hook, or the wasted talent of Gavin Henson? And whilst it is unlikely the Blues would be able to land him, I’m still interested to know; Would you sign James O’Connor?