Wallabies five-eighth James O'Connor seeks advice from Hawthorn AFL star Lance 'Buddy' Franklin ahead of second Test

WALLABIES star James O'Connor has called on AFL star Buddy Franklin for advice about Etihad Stadium to help prepare for the "biggest game of my life".

WALLABIES star James O'Connor has called on AFL superstar Buddy Franklin for advice about Etihad Stadium to help prepare for the "biggest game of my life" against the Lions on Saturday.

O'Connor is leaving no stone unturned for the must-win clash in Melbourne, and with an unstable surface a hot issue from the first Test in Brisbane, the Wallaby star spoke with good friend Franklin on Monday for tips on the Docklands venue.

Like Suncorp Stadium, Etihad Stadium has been slippery under foot for AFL stars in recent times.

But Franklin knows a thing or two about kicking goals at the closed-roof venue, having most recently slotted a pair in Hawthorn's 11th straight win there last Friday night against West Coast.

"We had a chat earlier in the week about it, just to get some thoughts," O'Connor said.

Whether O'Connor again continues with goal-kicking duties for the Wallabies remains to be seen, given first-choice option Christian Lealiifano is set to return after being knocked out in the opening minute.

Despite criticism of Kurtley Beale's moulded-stud boots causing his slip-kick to win at Suncorp, however, O'Connor said he would also continue to wear them, and not metal studs, on Etihad Stadium.

"The surface wasn't great (in Brisbane) but for me, I always wear mouldeds," O'Connor said.

"The new technology they have in the mouldeds, there's really no point (wearing studs), unless you are a forward doing some tricks in the scrums. I don't think I could run in those boots.

"I wear mouldeds every game, unless it is mud, pretty much."

Lance Franklin

With Lealiifano off, O'Connor stepped up as goal-kicker but missed 3/5 shots. He conceded yesterday they were crucial misses, but said he'd happily keep kicking in Melbourne.

The 22-year-old also expressed keen desire to get another chance to wear the Wallaby no.10, despite coming under scrutiny for a quiet performance in the first Test. There is speculation Beale may step into the role, and O'Connor move to wing or fullback.

"I am not too fazed where I start but I definitely would like another crack at 10," O'Connor said.

"I didn't get as much ball as I would have liked in their 50, so I didn't really step up in attack.  They defended quite well. They brought different aspects to their defence, to what they'd previously shown. But having said that, there were definitely opportunities from watching the footage. I found some places to attack."

Kurtley Beale

O'Connor has played in plenty of big games in his 37 Tests, including World Cup finals and Bledisloe Cups, but he said the must-win second clash with the Lions would top them all.

"I am taking this one as the biggest game of my life, to date," O'Connor said.

"The one in Brisbane was huge in the set-up, just the atmosphere. I remember running out on the field and getting goose bumps and chills.

"This one is do or die, and we will be up for it."

Having lost Pat McCabe and Digby Ioane for the series, and Berrick Barnes for Saturday's clash, the Wallabies appeared to get good news yesterday with centre Adam Ashley-Cooper training fully.

The key centre has a shoulder injury but is tracking well to play.

Star halfback Will Genia sent a panic through observers when he warmed up on his own with a strapped knee, but team officials said he was in no doubt for Saturday's game.

Joe Tomane has resumed training after recovering from fractured foot and is contention, along with Nick Cummins, to replace Ioane.