Schmidt opens door for O’Connor return

Head coach Joe Schmidt confirms veteran playmaker James O’Connor is firmly in the Wallabies selection frame for the British & Irish Lions series.

The 34-year-old O’Connor, who joined the Crusaders this season after departing the Reds, has impressed while helping the Christchurch outfit to second place on the Super Rugby Pacific table.

The 2025 Lions series in Australia features three Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane (19 July), Melbourne (26 July) and Sydney (2 August).

Schmidt views O’Connor’s situation differently from players who have ventured to Japan or Europe.

“I’ve talked to James and we had a really good chat,” Schmidt said. “With James, he’s still playing in our local comp, and he’s not based currently in Australia but I don’t think that precludes him.”

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O’Connor’s 64-Test experience could prove crucial given the relative inexperience of Australia’s other flyhalf options.

“James would bring experience back into the group, a little bit of versatility in that he’s played 12 in his career as well,” Schmidt added. 

“Both Tom [Lynagh], even Noah [Lolesio] last year, he’s still young in terms of international experience.”

Schmidt referenced his All Blacks background when highlighting the experience gap. “Having come from the All Blacks where you had guys like Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga – between those three, they’ve got 200 Test match experience plus. Comparatively, it’s a very inexperienced group and James would bring that experience.”

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