Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has cleared the path for a shock international return for pivot James O’Connor as he looks for more experience in the upcoming series against the British & Irish Lions.
The former Reds fly-half last played for the Wallabies in 2022, and moved to the Crusaders in New Zealand ahead of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 34-year-old has mostly come off the bench for the Christchurch-based club, who sit second on the ladder. But his contribution, including a match-winning penalty goal against the Blues two weeks ago, has been noticed by Schmidt.
“He would bring experience back into the group, a little bit of versatility – he’s played 12 in his career as well,” Schmidt said in Melbourne on a visit to the training facilities of AFL club the Western Bulldogs.
“It’s a very inexperienced group, and James would would bring that experience. It’s part of the conundrum for us, and we’ll be working hard trying to get the best balance.”
Despite O’Connor’s solid form, he was dropped from the Crusaders’ bench for their last match against the Highlanders for local fly half Rivez Reihana. But the Australian is likely to see more action in the remaining four rounds, after starting No 10 Taha Kemara injured his knee.
Schmidt said he spoke to O’Connor – who has 64 Wallabies caps – only last week. “We’ve had a really good chat, and with James, he’s still playing in our local comp. He’s not based currently in Australia, but I don’t think that precludes him.”
Given the ongoing allure of overseas contracts, Rugby Australia has a practice of picking players for the Wallabies who commit their future to local Super Rugby clubs to help improve local standards.
But Schmidt said O’Connor’s circumstances – in the competition but now based in New Zealand – will not be held against him.
“He’s a little bit closer to home, and to continue to challenge himself he took the Crusaders opportunity,” Schmidt said.
Sign up toThe Breakdown
The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed
after newsletter promotion
The coach, who will hand over the Wallabies reins to Les Kiss in the middle of next year, said he anticipates the Australian team for the Lions tour – which starts next month – will be heavily scrutinised.
Some prominent Australian Super Rugby players such as Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson and Tom Hooper have signed deals with European clubs. Schmidt said he hasn’t “precluded anyone” but will favour locally-contracted players.
“We want to be as strong as we can be for a pinnacle event, and I know there’ll be lots of commentary around where the selections are right, but we will put a lot of effort into trying to get them right,” he said.
“We just know that if there are close calls, we’re going to favour the guys who have committed their future to Rugby Australia.”