JOC happy to wing it against Lions

 

Flyhalf Quade Cooper (collarbone), utility back O’Connor (knee/calf), outside back Lachie Turner (concussion), prop Greg Holmes (thumb), prop Ben Daley (shoulder), centre Samuela Kerevi (hamstring) and flank Beau Robinson (calf) have been given the all clear and are eagerly awaiting some much-needed game-time. 

 

The Reds, who are bringing up the rear of the  Australian conference, have had an injection of energy and enthusiasm to their training this week, O'Connor said, as the cavalry returns to Ballymore.

 

The Reds will be looking to put an end to their miserable start to the campaign of one-win and four-losses, following a bye-week.

 

It will be no easy feat as the Lions have enjoyed a successful tour down-under with two wins, and are coming off a high against fellow countrymen the Melbourne Rebels last weekend.

 

"It [the return of seven players] doesn’t guarantee anything," O’Conner said.

 

The Wallaby back is likely to find himself in the wing position with the return of silky playmaker Quade Cooper to reclaim the pivot role and with Lachie Turner to be picked at fullback.

 

It is a position he feels natural in, and he is happy with Cooper calling the shots at No.10.

 

"It’s [outside backs] where I’m comfortable. I think it should work out pretty well," O’Connor said.

 

He feels he owes the Reds a top quality performance now that he is actually 100 percent fit for the first time this season.

 

O'Connor will be looking to capitalise on Cooper's flair and punch some holes in the defense.

 

"He can create opportunities for almost anyone on the field. I’ll be sniffing around, looking for a short ball here or there,"O'Connor added.

 

O'Connor has high thoughts of the Lions and believes they do not have a particular area where the Reds can target as a weakness.

 

"They've proven this year that they [the Lions] can play from anywhere on the field and play any style of rugby.

 

"They are a class act, and they have some good players all over the field, which makes it pretty hard to target a particular part of their game"

 

O'Connor is confident the Reds can get things back on track against the Lions in a mouth-watering clash in Brisbane.

 

"We moving forward from now, we're back, and we're here to play and we're here to win"