Wallabies squad v Lions: O'Connor seals stunning recall in Schmidt's 36 : Planet Rugby

2
Joe Schmidt has announced his Wallabies squad to tackle the British and Irish Lions in three Test matches, with James O’Connor recalled to the team.

O’Connor has answered the Wallabies’ SOS following the gutting injury to fly-half Noah Lolesio with James Slipper joining the recalled veteran in playing for Australia in two successive British & Irish Lions series.

The pair join Wallabies great George Smith in achieving the incredible feat, with Schmidt naming an otherwise settled squad.

Wallabies squad

“As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls,” Head coach Schmidt said.

“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. We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test here in eight days”.

“We are excited by what’s to come.”

Brumbies speedster Corey Toole and Western Force back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny are the only two uncapped players named in the squad, which is comprised of 20 forwards and 16 backs.

Veteran halfback Nic White is retained in the squad after missing out on the Lions series back in 2013 through injury. He addes experience to the scrum-half stocks along with the likes of Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon.

O’Connor boosts the fly-half stocks that includes Queensland’s Tom Lynagh, who is one step closer to becoming the first Wallaby to follow in his father, Michael’s footsteps in playing against the Lions, and Western Force ace Ben Donaldson.

France-based lock Will Skelton has also been named in the squad, while Schmidt has dropped Force star Darcy Swain, with Josh Canham preferred.

Meanwhile, O’Connor could make his first Test appearance since November 2022 after a stellar season in New Zealand, where he helped the Crusaders to yet another Super Rugby Pacific title.

The squad will remain in Brisbane ahead of the series opener at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday night before the two sides meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, July 26, with the final Test at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Saturday, August 2.

The British and Irish Lions have one final touring match before the three Tests as Andy Farrell’s men take on an AUNZ Invitational XV on Saturday.

Maro Itoje calls for ‘more ruthless’ British and Irish Lions approach as Test series looms

Wallabies squad to face the British and Irish Lions

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

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Charlie Cale, Massimo De Lutiis, Noah Lolesio, Liam Wright

Australia v Lions fixtures

Test I

Saturday, July 19

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Kick-Off: 7:45pm AEST, 10:45am BST

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZR)

Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (GRU), Andrea Piardi (FIR)

TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)

FPRO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)

Test II

Saturday, July 26

Venue: MCG Stadium, Melbourne

Kick-Off: 7:45pm AEST, 10:45am BST

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)

Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (GRU), Ben O’Keeffe (NZR)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)

FPRO: Marius Jonker (SARU)

Test III

Saturday, August 2

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Kick-Off: 7:45pm AEST, 10:45am BST

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)

Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (NZR), Andrea Piardi (FIR)

TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)

FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZR)

READ MORE: British and Irish Lions v AUNZ XV preview: Tourists to ‘dispatch’ All Blacks and Wallabies-laden outfit if they can overcome ‘major threat’

Click here to read article

Related Articles