O'Connor out to impress

Versatile back handed another chance to shine at fly-half

By Tony Curtis - Follow me on Twitter: @SkysportsTC.   Last Updated: December 1, 2011 9:30am

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James O'Connor: Will look to impress at fly-half against Wales

Sky Bet

James O'Connor will get another chance to show off his talents at fly-half after retaining his place in the Australia side for Saturday's clash with Wales.

O'Connor has often shuffled around the Wallabies back division since making his debut, with Quade Cooper having been the preferred starter at fly-half.

However with Cooper currently sidelined with the knee injury he suffered against Wales in the RWC Bronze Medal victory, O'Connor has been handed the No.10 jersey.

The 21-year-old tormented the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday, with his ability to break the first line of the defence and offload a highlight in the 60-11 rout.

Changes

And O'Connor, who blotted his copybook with an interception against the Baa-Baas, will now go up against Wales' own talented tyro - Rhys Priestland - at the Millennium Stadium having overcome a bruised hand.

Barrick Barnes has also shaken off injury to retain the No.12 shirt, with coach Robbie Deans retaining the same back division.

Deans, though, does make two changes to the pack with James Horwill returning to skipper the side and Ben McCalman passed fit to start at No.8 after he pulled out of the Baa-Baas clash.

Nathan Sharpe drops to the bench alongside Radike Samo, Ben Lucas and Anthony Fainga'a also added to the replacements.

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 James Horwill, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Nathan Sharpe, 19 Radike Samo, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Ben Tapuai, 22 Anthony Fainga'a