Wallabies star James O’Connor is excited about his blossoming partnership with former bad boy Danny Cipriani and believes the Melbourne Rebels are on the march.
O’Connor gave Melbourne fans a tantalising taste of what he offers his new Super Rugby club by scoring a brilliant individual try and setting up another in the Rebels’ 19-14 loss to the Crusaders in their final trial match at AAMI Park on Saturday.
The Rebels were disappointed not to beat the seven-time champions, as both sides delivered patchy performances and failed to make their most of their opportunities.
O’Connor’s stunning footwork to elude several Crusaders before touching down in the first half was a highlight.
Playing at inside centre, the 21-year-old is forming a promising combination with five-eighth Cipriani.
The 24-year-old Englishman, who has played seven Tests, showed flashes of his best last year but let himself down with some off-field indiscretions which led to him being suspended for a month.
In the three trial matches so far this season he’s been much more consistent and his defence – previously a failing – has been strong.
“He’s playing well and controlling the game really well and that’s what I like from a 10,” O’Connor said.
“He gives me a lot of time and space and lets me do what I do.”
The pair are good mates away from the field, which O’Connor said was helping their understanding on it.
“You want to have a tight team and the closer you are with guys off the field, the closer the bond is on the field and you know what they’re going to do.”
After clinching the wooden spoon in their inaugural season, the only way is up for Melbourne but O’Connor seems genuinely buoyed about their prospects for the 2012 season, which starts against NSW on Friday March 2.
“It’s looking promising, it is,” he said.
“I’m very excited. I just want to play more footy with the boys and with the Rebels.
“I’m liking where I’m at at the moment.”
O’Connor only played 50 minutes against the Crusaders and iced his quad immediately after leaving, however he said it was a minor twinge.
