O’Connor Eyes Unlikely Comeback for Wallabies

Veteran fly-half earns selection for British and Irish Lions series

**James O’Connor**, at 35, is in contention to complete a remarkable return to Test rugby, having been named in the 36-man squad preparing to face the British and Irish Lions.

Selection Rationale

Despite not having played a Test since 2022, **O’Connor** impressed in New Zealand, contributing to the Crusaders’ Super Rugby championship win. His selection follows an injury to fly-half **Noah Lolesio** during the **Wallabies’** recent victory over Fiji.

**Wallabies** coach **Joe Schmidt** emphasized the value of **O’Connor’s** experience within the squad. “Obviously, I had a few conversations with **James** during the year and he had a good Super season for the Crusaders,” said **Schmidt**.

**Schmidt** continued, “He stayed close. He stayed connected the whole way through, and his experience was something that helped **Tom Lynagh** last year with the Reds… So that experience can potentially help the players again, particularly our young 10s, as they continue to progress as well.”

Competition for Fly-Half Role

**O’Connor**, who has earned 64 caps for Australia, including three against the Lions in 2013, will compete for the starting fly-half position alongside **Tom Lynagh** of the Queensland Reds and **Ben Donaldson** from the Western Force.

Should **Lynagh** feature in the Test series, he and his father, **Michael**, would become the first father-son duo to represent Australia against the Lions.

Veteran Presence

Prop **James Slipper**, also selected, played against the Lions in 2013. Only **George Smith** has played in consecutive Lions series since the 12-year cycle began.

Meanwhile, veteran scrumhalf **Nic White**, after missing the 2013 series due to injury, is now in line to potentially play against the Lions.

Newcomers and Team Balance

**Schmidt** has included two uncapped players: **Corey Toole**, a winger from the Brumbies, and **Nick Champion de Crespigny**, a backrower from the Western Force. Rugby Australia recently reported a participation increase of 11% among women and girls, reflecting a broader growth in the sport (Rugby Australia 2024).

“As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls,” **Schmidt** stated.

**Schmidt** added, “We’re conscious of how special it is to play the British and Irish Lions, so for those selected in the squad, they’ll be competing for Test jerseys, while also trying to help others prepare… We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test here in eight days.”

Lions’ Tour So Far

The Lions, however, are undefeated on their current tour of Australia, having won against all four Super Rugby teams in tour matches.

They did suffer a defeat against Argentina in Dublin, losing 28-24.

Upcoming Tests

The **Wallabies** are coming off a narrow 21-18 victory over Fiji in Newcastle. That was their only Test leading up to the three-match series against the Lions.

The first Test between the **Wallabies** and the British and Irish Lions is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at Lang Park in Brisbane. The series continues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, concluding at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on August 2.

Wallabies Squad

The 36-player squad sees the return of four players who were sidelined due to injury for the Fiji Test: **Rob Valetini**, **Will Skelton**, **Lynagh**, and **Jake Gordon**.

Forwards

**Allan Alaalatoa**, **Angus Bell**, **Josh Canham**, **Nick Champion De Crespigny**, **Matt Faessler**, **Nick Frost**, **Langi Gleeson**, **Tom Hooper**, **Fraser McReight**, **Zane Nonggorr**, **Billy Pollard**, **David Porecki**, **Tom Robertson**, **Will Skelton**, **James Slipper**, **Carlo Tizzano**, **Taniela Tupou**, **Rob Valetini**, **Jeremy Williams**, **Harry Wilson**

Backs

**Filipos Daugunu**, **Ben Donaldson**, **Jake Gordon**, **Len Ikitau**, **Max Jorgensen**, **Andrew Kellaway**, **Tom Lynagh**, **Tate McDermott**, **James O’Connor**