Veteran fly-half James O’Connor has made a significant return to the Wallabies squad nearly three years after his last international appearance. He is set to potentially feature against the British and Irish Lions in the first Test, scheduled for July 19, 2025, in Brisbane, as announced by head coach Joe Schmidt on Friday.
The inclusion of O’Connor is a strategic decision following a reported spinal injury to first-choice playmaker Noah Lolesio. With a wealth of experience, O’Connor brings valuable insight, having participated in all three matches during the 2013 Lions series. In total, he has played 64 Tests for Australia, with his last match occurring in 2022.
Squad Composition and Key Changes
O’Connor’s selection is one of only two changes to the squad that faced Fiji last weekend. The 35-year-old was part of the Crusaders team that won the Super Rugby Pacific title earlier this year and is slated to join Leicester Tigers in England starting September.
Schmidt emphasized O’Connor’s consistent performance and connection with the team throughout the year, noting, “He had a good Super season for the Crusaders. His experience can potentially help the players, particularly our young 10s, as they continue to progress.” The Wallabies have a week to prepare for the first Test, and Schmidt has yet to name a captain.
The squad comprises 36 players, including 20 forwards and 16 backs. Among them are uncapped players Corey Toole from the ACT Brumbies and Nick Champion de Crespigny from the Western Force. Veteran prop James Slipper, who holds the record for the most Wallabies appearances with 144 Tests, could join O’Connor and retired great George Smith in playing for Australia across consecutive Lions series.
Injury Updates and Game Strategy
Forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini return to the squad after calf injuries sidelined them during the recent victory over Fiji. Additionally, scrum-half Nic White is set to make his debut against the Lions, having missed the 2013 series due to injury. Tom Lynagh, whose father Michael Lynagh played against the Lions in 1989, has also been included.
Schmidt remarked on the importance of balancing continuity with fresh talent, stating, “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.” He acknowledged the need to enhance accuracy and cohesion during their brief training period leading up to the match.
The British and Irish Lions, currently 4-0 in Australia since a warm-up loss to Argentina, have recently triumphed over all Australian Super Rugby franchises, including the Brumbies, Western Force, Queensland Reds, and New South Wales Waratahs. The second Test is scheduled for July 26 in Melbourne, followed by the third on August 2 in Sydney.
The Wallabies’ 36-player squad for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions includes:
Forwards (20): 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 (16): Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.
Fans can catch the action live as Sky Sports broadcasts the British and Irish Lions tour in exclusive coverage.
