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O'Connor eyes Wallabies recall

James O’Connor in action for Toulon

Toulon back James O’Connor wants to return to Super Rugby so he can add to the 44 international caps he has won with Australia.

O’Connor became the second youngest player to be capped by the Wallabies when he made his debut at the age of 18 against Italy in 2008.

However, moves to London Irish and latterly Toulon have limited his outings due to the restriction on selection for overseas based players – Michael Cheika only able to choose those with more than 60 caps.

As a result O’Connor has not featured on the international stage since 2013 but he intends to return to Australia in the future and force his way back into the Test team.

“One hundred per cent I see myself playing back in Australia – when is the question,” he told rugby.com.au.

“For the time being, I’m enjoying rugby here and there’s still a lot I want to improve on and learn but Australia’s home and that’s where I want to be playing my rugby.

“The goal’s always to wear that gold jersey again so to be able to pull that on would be pretty amazing.”

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SK 9 hours ago
What is the future of rugby in 2025?

Set pieces are important and the way teams use them is a great indication of how they play the game. No team is showcasing their revolution more than the Springboks. This year they have mauled less and primarily in the attacking third. Otherwise they have tended to set like they are going to maul and then play around the corner or shove the ball out the back. They arent also hitting the crash ball carrier constantly but instead they are choosing to use their width or a big carrying forward in wider areas. While their maul is varied the scrum is still a blunt instrument winning penalties before the backs have a go. Some teams have chosen to blunt their set piece game for more control. The All Blacks are kicking more penalties and are using their powerful scrum as an attacking tool choosing that set piece as an attacking weapon. Their willingness to maul more and in different positions is also becoming more prominent. The French continue to play conservative rugby off the set piece using their big bruisers frequently. The set piece is used differently by different teams. Different teams play different ways and can be successful regardless. They can win games with little territory and possession or smash teams with plenty of both. The game of rugby is for all types and sizes and thats true in the modern era. I hope that administrators keep it that way and dont go further towards a Rugby League style situation. Some administrators are of the opinion that rugby is too slow and needs to be sped up. Why not rather empower teams to choose how they want to play and create a framework that favours neither size nor agility. That favours neither slow tempo play or rock n roll rugby. Create a game that favour both and challenge teams to execute their plans. If World Rugby can create a game like that then it will be the ultimate winner.

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