10 for Rebels: Kurtley Beale or James O'Connor?
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Rebels coach Damien Hill is not ready to reveal whether Kurtley Beale or James O'Connor will play fly-half for the Melbourne side this year.
Both Wallabies are back to full fitness meaning, unlike last season, Hill has a decision to make on which of his chief playmakers will direct for the upcoming Super Rugby season.
O'Connor has finally overcome the hamstring trouble which ruined his 2012 season but Beale was outstanding in the pivot role after taking over from departed Danny Cipriani, as well as for the Wallabies in the absence of Quade Cooper.
O'Connor thrived in the Wallaby 10 jersey during the 2011 European tour but injuries have limited his opportunities to prove himself there since.
Both are also able to play full-back but newly-arrived Kiwi Jason Woodward is a candidate for the 15 jersey having done well there for Wellington and New Zealand U20.
"James can play wing, 15, 12, 10 and KB (Beale) can play 10 and 15 as well," Hill told AAP
"It's going to be what's best for the team.
"They combine really well so they will be together out there and the two main voices.
"Competition for spots this year is the most we've had which is a fantastic position to be in, even if it creates a few headaches," added Hill, looking ahead to the Rebels two warm-up games against the Waratahs and Hurricanes.
"The trial matches will be used to fight for positions so they'll be very valuable for us.
"Thankfully we've got 34 of our 35 fit and ready to go so we've got a lot of combinations and we're working through how we're going to play them."
Comments
Trinats2 says...
Nice to have this option, as the newest franchise. Give them another couple of years and they will be winning the title like the Brumbies did as the newcomers.
Posted 22:28 21st January 2013
firepower says...
JOC is the best fly-half option for the Rebels and the Wallabies. thanks:)
Posted 13:37 21st January 2013
Sincero says...
Not confirming their pivot? What rebels! Take that, establishment.
Posted 14:28 19th January 2013
ABasquefan says...
KB is not a 10. He played well for the rebels 4 matches in that position but when he played for the wallabies it was quite clear that he need more space, otherwise his little jumps are very easy readed by the opposite defense.
The only reason to give him nš10 spot would be that FB spot is better covered with J: Woodward than Nš12 wolud be if JOC goes to 10
Posted 12:20 19th January 2013
DutchWing says...
10 KB, 11 Vuna, 12 JOC, 15 Woodward, Only need some decent center & wing
Posted 12:08 19th January 2013