US EditionAustralia coach Schmidt says O'Connor in flyhalf mix for Lions series
- Australia coach Joe Schmidt indicates 34-year-old James O'Connor, now with the Crusaders, is in selection contention for the upcoming British and Irish Lions series.
- O'Connor left Queensland to join the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific and differs from others by not playing or committing overseas in Japan or Europe.
- Schmidt highlights O'Connor's 64 Test caps and versatility, noting the Wallabies squad is comparatively inexperienced, especially at flyhalf.
- Tom Lynagh, a 22-year-old Reds player and O'Connor's former mentee, supports selecting O'Connor if his form remains high, with the Crusaders performing well.
- Schmidt suggests players can use upcoming Super Rugby finals to push for national selection, emphasizing these are the highest non-Test matches.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
He hasn’t played a Test for three years. But Joe Schmidt just kept this veteran’s Lions dream alive
James O’Connor last played for the Wallabies in 2022, but coach Schmidt appears to have left the door open to a stunning recall for the British & Irish Lions series.
Australia coach Schmidt says O'Connor in flyhalf mix for Lions series
MELBOURNE :James O'Connor is in the Wallabies' selection frame and his experience could prove useful in a squad of relatively young flyhalves, head coach Joe Schmidt said on Tuesday.O'Connor will turn 35 before the first British and Irish Lions test in Brisbane in July but the 64-cap Wallaby has been in good
In the run-up to the British and Irish Lions' tour in Australia, Wallabies' selector, Joe Schmidt, is considering using an experienced figure: James O的Connor, 35 years old. The opener, with 64 selections, has recently shown himself with the Canterbury Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific, attracting the attention of the Australian staff.
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