Young Australia international James O'Connor has expressed his desire to shift closer to the action in the absence of injured playmaker Quade Cooper.

Cooper will miss at least six months of rugby after it was confirmed he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the World Cup bronze final win over Wales on Friday.

His absence will force Robbie Deans to reshuffle his midfield for the Wallabies' upcoming fixtures against the Barbarians at Twickenham on November 26 and Wales at Millennium Stadium on December 3.

Berrick Barnes is the front-runner to replace Cooper after a strong display at fly-half after the latter hobbled off against Wales, leaving a vacancy at inside centre.

But O'Connor, who has been used primarily on the right wing at Test level this season, is eyeing a move to the midfield.

"It's no secret I want to play 12. I want to get closer to the action and get my hands on the ball," said O'Connor, Australia's form back throughout the World Cup.

With Pat McCabe in major doubt due to a shoulder injury, Anthony Fainga'a and Rob Horne are both strong candidates for the inside centre role.

But O'Connor remains hopeful Deans can be persuaded to give him a chance at second receiver.

"For me it's all about the team - if we're winning, as long as we're getting a few touches and I guess doing what I can going forward as much as possible," said the 21-year-old.

"I'm pretty happy to have that goal-kicking role. It keeps me involved in the game as much as possible.

"Every Test in the jersey means a lot. For me it's about developing my game. No matter what happens, I guess I'll be putting my hand up for one of those inside jobs."

Asked to rate his own form in his maiden World Cup campaign, O'Connor said: "I've been happy with most of my performances this tour. I try to take it each game at a time and try to make it like you're playing your last.

"It is a different style of rugby. It's not as quick and I think everyone plays the percentages.

"You can't afford to make errors, and field position and territory plays a massive role in the World Cup.

"So that's what I've taken out of it and it's going to put us in better stead for not only next year but 2015."

O'Connor will attend a strategy session with new Melbourne Rebels team-mates Kurtley Beale and Danny Cipriani next week before beginning preparations for the Barbarians clash.

He will relocate to Melbourne in early January after agreeing to a lucrative deal with the fledgling franchise.