James O'Connor eyes vacant Wallabies role

James O'Connor has been one of the Reds' standout performers in the opening 4 rounds of Super Rugby despite the Reds only winning one of their first four games of the season under Brad Thorn.

O'Connor returned from Europe after stints with Toulon and the Sale Sharks to cement a place in the Wallabies' Rugby World Cup squad where he featured mostly as an outside back. Throughout his career, O'Connor has been known for his versatility and has started at flyhalf, centre, wing and fullback for the Wallabies.

This season O'Connor started in the midfield with Isaac Lucas wearing the #10 jersey but the 51 test Wallaby, O'Connor has since taking over that jersey and put in two outstanding performances against the Jaguares and Sunwolves.

He will start at flyhalf once again this upcoming weekend against a high flying Sharks side that has won 3 of their opening 4 games with their only defeat coming against the Highlanders when the side was ravaged by injuries and late changes to key players.

Ahead of the clash against the Touring South Africans, O'Connor said that he didn't expect to play the position for the Reds this season but said that he did enjoy the extra time on the ball and although he didn't think about playing the position for the Wallabies, he certainly will put it out there.

WATCH: THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW

Dave Rennie is set to open his account as the Wallabies' head coach during the July Internationals against Ireland and with the likes of Christian Leali'ifano and Bernard Foley in Japan, the former Glasgow head coach may turn to O'Connor to steer the ship at first five.

O'Connor made over 90 running metres, made 4 clean breaks and beat 6 defenders in the win over the Sunwolves, scoring a wonderful try to top it all off. While not contributing on the scoreboard against the Jaguares, he was similarly brilliant and has been praised for his performances in the 10 jersey.

Queensland Reds v Sharks – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on 29 February

1. JP Smith – GPS
2. Alex Mafi – Bond University
3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers
4. Izack Rodda – Easts
5. Harry Hockings – University of Queensland
6. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
7. Liam Wright © – Easts
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers
9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
10. James O’Connor – Brothers
11. Henry Speight – Bond University
12. Hamish Stewart – Brothers
13. Hunter Paisami – Wests
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland

16. Ed Craig – TBC
17. Harry Hoopert – Brothers
18. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
20. Fraser McReight – Brothers
21. Scott Malolua – GPS
22. Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank
23. Filipo Daugunu – Wests