US EditionO'Connor Returns for Australia in Highveld Showdown with Springboks
James O'Connor, 35, returns to flyhalf due to injuries, as Australia aims for its first Ellis Park win since 1963 in the Rugby Championship opener, coach Joe Schmidt said.
- Australia will play South Africa in the 2025 Rugby Championship opener at Ellis Park, Johannesburg on Saturday night.
- Australia seeks its first win at Ellis Park since beating South Africa 11-9 there in 1963 amid a four-match losing streak to the Springboks.
- Coach Joe Schmidt named James O'Connor, returning after three years, at flyhalf following injuries to Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, and Ben Donaldson.
- Schmidt emphasized that few challenges are tougher than facing South Africa on their own ground, and highlighted the importance of performing at their highest level during Saturday night’s game.
- Australia's selection changes, including a 6-2 forwards-backs split and veteran Nic White partnering O'Connor, reflect preparation to build on recent momentum despite ongoing challenges.
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The 35-year-old will be the holder to face South Africa this Saturday. He had no longer played in this selection position since 2022.
·Paris, France
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Rugby-O'Connor returns for Australia in Highveld showdown with Springboks
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -James O'Connor will play his first test for Australia in three years after being handed the flyhalf jersey for the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa on Saturday in a surprise move from coach Joe Schmidt.
·Malaysia
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Channel News AsiaReposted by 
The Straits Times
The Straits TimesO'Connor returns for Australia in Highveld showdown with Springboks
JOHANNESBURG :James O’Connor will play his first test for Australia in three years after being handed the flyhalf jersey for the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa on Saturday in a surprise move from coach Joe Schmidt. O’Connor, 35, has not featured for the Wallabies since a 48-17 loss to Arge
·Singapore
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