Rugby: Hat-trick on debut for O'Connor

TEST RUGBY
Australia 31
Italy 8

It took boy wonder James O'Connor just three minutes to make an impact in his first test start when the Wallabies walloped Italy in Canberra last night.

O'Connor became the second youngest Australian test player, at 18 years and 126 days, when he came on as a substitute during the 30-20 win over Italy in Padova last November. Last night was O'Connor's run-on debut and he could not have made a more sensational start as everything he touched turned to gold with a hat-trick of tries inside an hour.

The Wallabies won clean lineout ball, Lachie Turner broke the line from the blindside wing and O'Connor, with his first touch of the ball, cantered over for the try.

He scored his second try just before the half hour when he finished off nonchalantly after Matt Giteau skilfully ran between two defenders and put him into a gap.

His third, and best, came midway through the second spell when, after surges by Stirling Mortlock and Stephen Moore, he dummied and beat two tackles - including one by Italian captain and No 8 Sergio Parisse - on his way to the line.

Coach Robbie Deans took a punt on the Western Force teenager - who played much of the Super 14 in midfield, in the No 15 jersey - and O'Connor repaid the faith with a performance which emphasised Australia's depth of quality backs.

He was safe, sound and remarkably mature for someone who looks absurdly young to be playing international rugby.

He is not big but he is quick and extraordinarily skilful. There will be stronger challenges than Italy during his test career but he seems equipped to meet them.

O'Connor would also have qualified through his relatives to play for New Zealand - his 84-year-old grandfather, Maurice, played for Wellington - but he seems certain to be an integral part of the Wallaby squad which builds towards the 2011 World Cup.

The Wallabies are a potentially lethal mix of up-and-comers and established stars. Flanker George Smith was playing his 97th test last night, captain Stirling Mortlock his 77th and Giteau his 66th.

There is fierce competition in some positions, including blindside flanker where Dean Mumm showed his credentials with a solid, no-nonsense display in his 10th test. Auckland-born Mumm would also have qualified for New Zealand. His grandfather, Bill Mumm, was an All Black.

Australia led 17-3 at halftime in chilly conditions - Friday was the coldest June day in the Australian capital for 43 years - and on a slippery surface. Italy packed a solid scrum and slowed down Australian ball effectively but the Wallabies' execution was inaccurate at times.

The Azzurri had their moment of glory two minutes into the second spell when former league star Craig Gower ran the blind and Auckland-born right wing Kane Robertson burst over in the corner.

It was Australia's 11th consecutive win over Italy and the Azzurri's eighth straight test loss after a miserable Six Nations.

The test lost much of its shape in the latter stages as the Wallabies emptied their bench and, while it was an average Australian performance, it was a night to remember for O'Connor.

The second test will be played in Melbourne on Saturday.

Australia 31(James O'Connor, 3, Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock tries, Giteau 3 conversions) Italy 8 (Kane Robertson try, Luke McLean penalty goal). Halftime: 17-3. Referee: Romain Poite (France). Crowd: 22,468.