Teenager James O’Connor is set to become the second-youngest player ever to pull on an Australia jersey after being named in the squad to tour Europe later this year.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has backed former rugby league star Ryan Cross to fill the boots of skipper Stirling Mortlock in Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup clash with New Zealand.

A BATTLE is looming in Australian rugby with the governing body being accused of favouring the New South Wales Waratahs over the other Australian Super 14 teams — the Reds, Brumbies and Western Force.

Australia’s selectors broke with tradition by naming St Helens centre Jamie Lyon in their Tri-Nations squad.

New South Wales clinched the 2003 State of Origin series with a 27-4 demolition of Queensland in the second game in Sydney today.