James O’Connor’s dreams of earning a recall for Australia’s hosting of the British and Irish Lions appear over after the veteran playmaker was overlooked for the Wallabies squad to face Fiji in three weeks.
Coach Joe Schmidt yesterday named a 36-strong squad to assemble on Sunday in Sydney for the Wallabies’ season-opening international in Newcastle on July 6.
The squad comprises 20 forwards and 16 backs, with Western Force back rower Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole the only two uncapped players selected.
But there was no room for O’Connor despite Schmidt last month saying the Wallabies could use the 34-year-old’s experience following his impressive run of form in helping the Crusaders reach tomorrow’s Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs.
Schmidt has instead pinned his faith in youth, with Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh the three No10 options selected.
O’Connor’s omission leaves prop James Slipper, Australia’s most-capped player, as the sole survivor from the squad that lost the 2013 series to the Lions 2-1.
In-form Brumbies No 9 Ryan Lonergan and injured Queensland forwards Seru Uru and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto are other notable absentees but could yet force their way into a larger squad to be named for the Lions series on July 11.
Waratahs hooker David Porecki has been named in the national set-up for the first time since captaining the team during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, while another former leader, giant lock Will Skelton, is the only overseas based-player in the squad.
Western Force stars de Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain and Nic White have been picked but will remain on the west coast to prepare for the clash with the Lions in Perth tomorrow week.
Wallabies squad.—
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, 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, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.
