Why Hill is crucial to O'Connor development

When Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau left the Western Force the club had to find another world-class fly-half in a hurry if they wanted to keep James O'Connor.

The teenager wanted, and needed, an experienced playmaker to learn from and play off in the back line.

The Force found Andre Pretorius but when disaster struck and the former Springbok was ruled out for the season, O'Connor was forced to take on the huge responsibility that comes with the No.10 jumper.

Now, the arrival of no-nonsense former All Blacks and Chiefs pivot David Hill with a decade of experience behind him will allow O'Connor to use his talent as a ball runner and mover without having to shoulder that responsibility.

Force coach John Mitchell will want both Hill and O'Connor to break the line but will be looking at them as dual playmakers, opening up the expansive game that has become the pattern under this year's revamped Super 14 laws.

Mitchell said 19-year-old O'Connor had done exceptionally well when he played in the dual role of full-back and pivot against the Hurricanes and No.10 against the Chiefs, but added: "He's youthful and it's 10 seasons versus two games. It's huge. That's what you're dealing with."

Mitchell coached Hill, 31, at both Waikato and the All Blacks. He said the pivot, who has a one season contract from Japanese club Toshiba, would give the side direction.

"He's the type of bloke who drives and directs the team well, he doesn’t suffer fools," Mitchell said.

"He knows what he's doing, he knows what he wants. There's no bullshit with him.

"He knows what we want to get out of him, how we want to refine our game and what we want from No.10.

"To have an experienced footballer to direct the ship in both attack and out of the back 50 (metres) is going to give the side a lot of confidence and a lot of direction.

"It's pretty challenging coming into this situation, but he’s very experienced. It's good to have his experience within the group."

Hill faces the challenge of learning Force plays before tomorrow week’s clash against the Reds.

"I guess it's a blessing for us to be in bye week, where we've got five sessions, before we go in against the Reds," Mitchell said.

Hill, who last played Super rugby in 2006, said the game had moved a long way in four years.

"The pace is obviously going to be a big step up, so there's that to deal with," he said.

"The new interpretations have certainly shown the way it's going to go and it will be interesting to see how the game is going to unfold."

Hill trained in a white vest yesterday — warning players not to hit him too hard. They can't afford to lose another fly-half.

Meanwhile, Mitchell acknowledged that the Force were interested in former National Rugby League star Mark Gasnier.

It was revealed by The West Australian yesterday that the club is keen to sign the Test and State of Origin centre, who is playing in France.