Wallaby coach Robbie Deans defends James O'Connor's performance at five-eighth

ROBBIE Deans jumped to the defence of James O'Connor amid criticism of his performance at five-eighth in Brisbane.

James O'Connor

ROBBIE Deans jumped to the defence of James O'Connor amid criticism of his performance at five-eighth in Brisbane as veteran flanker George Smith led a calvary call-up to the Wallabies squad yesterday.

The Wallabies' team bus looked like it was straight from the set of M*A*S*H yesterday as it rolled into a fan day in Melbourne, the venue for the all-important second Test against the Lions on Saturday.

Amid the many sore players were a host of more seriously injured troops, many bearing slings and/or bruises and likely to be ruled out of contention for the clash today.

Pat McCabe (neck), Adam Ashley-Cooper (A/C joint), Digby Ioane (dislocated shoulder) are all long-shots to play, and Berrick Barnes (jaw) and Christian Lealiifano (concussion) remain in doubt. Barnes was cleared of a broken jaw, however.

Deans did not reveal who would definitely miss out, but admitted significant change was "likely" in the backline.

Brumby fullback Jesse Mogg and Reds centre Ben Tapuai flew into Melbourne last night. So, too, did Smith, the 33-year-old flanker, who was thought to have been ruled out of a second Lions series after injuring his knee last month.

There are no injury worries in the backrow, and Deans said Smith had been brought in to resume full training, given the Brumbies are on a break.

Asked if Smith would be considered for the second Test, Deans said: "We will look at that. In the first instance, we are happy with the way the boys played yesterday.

"George is (only) returning to training, let alone returning to the ground. We will have those conversations," he said.

After admitting O'Connor had a "difficult" night in the No.10 jersey, speculation flew yesterday that the Rebels playmaker may be shifted out wider and Kurtley Beale would step into five-eighth.

That theory appeared shaky after Deans praised O'Connor yesterday, saying his role in getting the Wallabies back to the brink of victory can't be underestimated.

"James was a big part of moving us back into a position to win that game. I don't think you should take that lightly," he said. "That doesn't happen easily against an experienced combination of the Lions, who are masters of field position and denying teams the ability to play. Like the rest of the team, his first hit out was pretty effective."

Deans said experience of last year's mass casualty rate would help the Wallabies to re-adjust and put together a strong outfit for the much anticipated second Test.

"The way they adapted and put themselves in a position to win the game was remarkable," Deans said.

"We didn't get the result we were after and that's frustrating, but we as coaching staff are proud of the meaning that the group displayed," he said.