"Every guy at the start of their career is very worried about making mistakes and letting blokes down and letting coaches down.
"I think over time you stop caring about that stuff and the external pressure and just focus on your role.
"It gives every player confidence when you're able to stay in the one position week to week.
"I've always said I haven't had a preferred position but where I've felt most comfortable is 13 ... "
Ashley-Cooper had a look at the British and Irish Lions game against the Force on Wednesday night and was intrigued by what centre combination they might throw at the Wallabies.
He expected Jamie Roberts to start at inside centre and envisaged a three-way battle for the No13 jersey despite rating Brian O'Driscoll as the best outside centre he had played against.
"He was the best 13 10 years ago and he still is one of the best 13s in the world," Ashley-Cooper said of O'Driscoll.
"It's going to be interesting whether they go with [Jonathan] Davies, [Manu] Tuilagi or O'Driscoll in the 13 position."
- AAP
