Australian Rugby
O'Connor "gutted" to miss Brisbane Test
ESPNscrum Staff
August 25, 2011
Wallabies starlet James O'Connor, Bledisloe Cup, Australia vs New Zealand, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, August 6, 2011
O'Connor will be replaced by Anthony Fainga'a in the Wallabies starting XV © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Robbie Deans | James O'Connor
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: Australia

Australia winger James O'Connor says he is "gutted" to be missing the Wallabies' crucial Tri Nations game against the All Blacks this weekend but concedes his omission was his own fault.

The 21-year-old was dropped from the Wallabies team after sleeping in and missing the official announcement of Australia's World Cup squad last Thursday. He said on Twitter: "hey guys, been a crazy week and gutted to be missing game this weekend, no ones fault but my own. Will be supporting the boys however I can to help get them over the line."

O'Connor, who was set to play on the right wing for the Wallabies against New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday, apologised to the Australian Rugby Union on Monday. But he was still suspended until August 28 and given a AUS $10,000 fine, which was suspended until December 31, 2012.

In his absence, Australia have called up Anthony Fainga'a to the starting XV with Adam Ashley-Cooper moving to right wing.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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