James O’Connor’s dream of facing the British and Irish Lions again is still alive, with Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt leaving the door open for a stunning recall for this year’s blockbuster series.
O’Connor, a 64-Test veteran, has been in impressive form for the Crusaders this year but hasn’t played for Australia since a 2022 Test against Argentina in San Juan.
Young playmakers Noah Lolesio (Brumbies) and Tom Lynagh (Reds) are considered the frontrunners to wear the No.10 jersey for the Wallabies in the first Test at Suncorp Stadium on July 19.
But momentum has been quietly building behind O’Connor, particularly after former Wallaby and Stan Sport commentator Morgan Turinui suggested the 34-year-old was firmly in the selection frame.
Schmidt had the chance to hose down the speculation on Tuesday. Instead, he gave it oxygen.
“Yeah, I’ve talked to James,” Schmidt told reporters in Melbourne after meeting with Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge. “We’ve had a really good chat.
James O’Connor scores for Australia against the Lions in the third Test in 2013.Credit: Dallas Kilponen
“With James, he’s still playing in our local comp [Super Rugby] and he’s not based currently in Australia. I don’t think that precludes him. I don’t think we’ve precluded anyone. We want to be as strong as we can be for a pinnacle event.
“James would bring experience back to the group [and] a little bit of versatility in that he’s played [number] 12 in his career as well.”
O’Connor wore the No.10 jersey for the Wallabies in the 2013 series, which Australia lost 2-1.
Of the Wallabies side that lost to Ireland in the final Test of 2024, only three players – James Slipper, Taniela Tupou and Rob Valetini – had more than 50 caps. Lolesio has played 29 Tests.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt addressed the media in Melbourne on Tuesday. Credit: Getty Images
“Noah is still young in terms of international experience,” Schmidt said. “With all those players, it’s nice to have an experienced head.
“Having come from the All Blacks recently where you had guys like Beauden Barrett, a 100-Test All Black, Damian McKenzie and Richie Mo’ounga … those guys between them have 300 Tests.
“Comparatively, it’s a very inexperienced group and James would bring that experience. It’s part of the conundrum for us. We’ll be working hard trying to get the best balance.”
Schmidt, who last week extended his Wallabies contract until July 2026, said he’s been encouraged by what he’s seen in Super Rugby Pacific from Australian sides.
“I think it’s been a fantastic competition this year. Any team can beat any team, as evidenced by the results from the weekend,” Schmidt said.
“I know there’ll be lots of commentary around whether the selections are right, but we will put a lot of effort into trying to get them right.
“We just know that if there are close calls, we’re going to favour the guys who have committed their future to Rugby Australia.
“Once you get to those big play-off games, that’s the highest level they play outside of Test football. You want to add a little bit extra weight onto those performances, and I think there was a really good upsurge from the Brumbies last week.”
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