Matt Giteau, the original "Kid Dynamite", has vowed to take on a big brother-type role to ensure Australia's latest rugby phenomenon doesn't get lost in the hysteria following his spectacular Test starting debut for the Wallabies.

Eighteen-year-old James O'Connor admitted to living the dream after becoming the first player in history to bag a tryscoring hat-trick in his maiden run-on appearance for the Wallabies on Saturday night.

O'Connor capitalised on his telepathic combination with Giteau to devastating effect to lead the Wallabies to a convincing 31-8 triumph over Italy at Canberra Stadium.

His dazzling man-of-the-match display - which also featured pinpoint long-range kicking, left-foot clearances under pressure, the signature step and raw strength and power - warmed the hearts of the 22,468 fans who braved the freezing conditions for the Wallabies' first Test in the national capital in nine years.

The dynamic performance also drew inevitable comparisons between O'Connor and a youthful Giteau, who was similarly hailed as Australian rugby's saviour after bursting onto the international scene in 2002.

Giteau, who has already taken O'Connor under his wing during their two Super 14 seasons together at the Western Force, says he's more than happy to ensure the boom teenager doesn't get carried away.

"Keeping his feet on the ground, that's certainly one thing I'll be pretty strong on," Giteau on Sunday, with a knowing grin.

"Obviously he's a huge talent, as everyone knows, so to keep him as grounded as possible is the best thing for him for his development so he continues to be a great player."

Remaining grounded shouldn't be too hard, though, with O'Connor now facing a test of character of a different kind after passing his first major on-field examination with such flying colours.

While eager for O'Connor to savour the full 80-minute Test-match experience, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is certain to restore Adam Ashley-Cooper to the fullback role at some point sooner rather than later.

If not for Saturday's second Test against the Azzurri in Melbourne, then against France in Sydney the following week.

"If that happens, I'm sure he'd be fine with it," Giteau said.

"He knows he played well enough. He knows he can start and play at this level so I'm sure he'll get a lot of confidence out of it and he certainly won't be diminished by getting (relegated).

"It wouldn't really be a dropping, just a replacing."

As ever, Deans was playing his selection cards close to his chest on Sunday, repeating his mantra that "there's no guarantees" for any player.

He did, however, concede he was unsure how O'Connor would cope with demotion.

"I don't know. I guess he hasn't had that experience yet so we may find out when it happens," he said.

"But I think these blokes are familiar enough now and understand it's not about an individual. It's about the group. Nothing is forever."

Ashley-Cooper, who roomed with O'Connor in Canberra, said he was chuffed with the rookie's performance and happy with however Deans used him.

The classy utility replaced groggy winger Lachie Turner at halftime on Saturday before moving to the centres when Stirling Mortlock was given an early mark.

"Whatever comes my way, I'll take it," Ashley-Cooper said.

Deans said those in the 30-man squad like Lote Tuqiri and Phil Waugh who missed the match 22 against Italy and played club rugby on Saturday would also come under consideration.

"We'll get footage (of their games). We'll hope to see the efforts of all our players from over the weekend. They're all important," Deans said.

"I saw a bit of Waughie on TV. He was going very well. (Matt) Dunning was back out there too, creating a bit of grief."

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