British and Irish Lions 2013: James O'Connor wants to remain at fly-half for Australia
The next Test takes place on Saturday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.James O'Connor wants to continue at fly-half when Australia attempt to haul themselves back into their series against the British and Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
O'Connor played only his second Test in the position in the 23-21 defeat in Brisbane and, by the admission of coach Robbie Deans, endured a "difficult" match.
The atrocious number of injuries incurred by the Wallabies meant he was directing an ever-changing backline, but even allowing for that mitigation he could still be replaced by Kurtley Beale at number 10.
But the 22-year-old, who would switch to wing or full-back if Beale is preferred, is unwilling to give up the jersey just yet with the team scheduled to be announced on Thursday.
"I'd like another crack at fly-half, 100 per cent. I'm not too fazed about where I start, but I'd like another go there," he said.
"You're always better for playing matches with the guys around you. We did some good things and let some things go.
"If we win I've done my job, if we haven't then I've got to go back to the drawing board."
Australia's scrum was transformed in the opening Test at Suncorp Stadium, being shoved back at the start only to win two potentially match-winning penalties at the end that Beale failed to convert.
Tighthead prop Ben Alexander, who will be winning his 50th cap on Saturday, believes the Wallabies' pack can only improve at the set-piece having played their first game together since November.
"We've always been confident in our scrum. Bar one game in the last year, we've scrummaged well," the Brumbie said.
"We've come across their guys plenty of times before. We knew what they were capable of.
"It was good for us to get a hit out at eight, like for combinations in the backs, it's the same for forwards when it comes to scrummaging.
"It's a team effort and you have to find your rhythm together. It's a good starting point, but we want to eradicate any bad scrums from our game.
"The Lions won't be happy with the way they finished and knowing (forwards coach) Graham Rowntree, they'll be work hard on that this week."
A doubt hangs over Lions loosehead Alex Corbisiero, who is struggling with a calf injury, so Mako Vunipola may start the second Test.
But according to Alexander it is Wales tighthead Adam Jones who is the most influential figure in the tourists' scrum.
"Their looseheads are dropping like flies! That's the first time I've played against Alex and he's a very good player," he said.
"Saying that, Mako Vunipola's been having a great tour. He's been one of the Lions' best forwards on tour so far.
"But the key to the Lions' scrum is definitely Adam Jones. He drives it."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments