O’Connor fine with 10 or 12

NEW MELBOURNE Rebels recruit James O’Connor doesn’t mind playing first or second five this year.

The 21-year-old, who, along with good friend and fellow Wallaby Kurtley Beale, transferred to the Rebels in the off-season, was impressive in the No 10 jersey during Australia’s two-match tour of the UK at the end of last year.

He has expressed a desire to move closer to the action, and now it appears he could be involved in a battle with former England pivot Danny Cipriani for the right to run the cutter at the Rebels.

“I've made it no secret I want to be in the front-line, so I guess that puts two positions out there in 10 and 12,” O’Connor told AAP.

“That's where I've been training, so whatever's best for the team.

“In this team, I can see myself playing 12 pretty nicely with Danny slotting into 10.”

O’Connor is clearly impressed with Cipriani’s abilities, saying that he "has talent" and “should be the No 10 for England”.