Wallabies call in James O’Connor to solve fly-half crisis ahead of Lions showdown

Friday, 11 July 2025 at 09:10

bySteven Smith

James O’Connor is back in gold. The 35-year-old fly-half has been sensationally recalled to the Wallabies squad ahead of the opening Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on July 19 – live on Sky Sports.

O'Connor, last capped in 2022, could complete a stunning return nearly three years after his last Test. With Noah Lolesio sidelined by a spinal injury, head coach Joe Schmidt has turned to experience, adding the veteran Crusaders No.10 to his 36-man squad.

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? O’Connor played all three Tests in the 2013 Lions series loss. Now he’s eyeing redemption.

The Aussie playmaker – fresh off a Super Rugby Pacific title with the Crusaders – will head to Leicester Tigers in September, but first, he's ready for one last dance in the green and gold.

“He stayed close, he stayed connected,” Schmidt said. “That experience can help our young 10s progress.”

Wallabies Squad Tweaks – Two New Faces

O’Connor is one of just two changes from the squad that edged Fiji 21-18 last weekend. Uncapped duo Corey Toole (Brumbies) and Nick Champion de Crespigny (Force) also get a shot.

The Wallabies' most-capped player James Slipper (144 caps) could join O'Connor in a rare feat – facing the Lions in back-to-back tours. He joins a powerful forward pack that also welcomes back Will Skelton and Rob Valetini after injury.

“Slips has been unbelievable. His longevity is something else,” said Schmidt.

Wallabies v Lions – What You Need To Know

? 1st Test: July 19 – Brisbane
? 2nd Test: July 26 – Melbourne
? 3rd Test: August 2 – Sydney
? Watch live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW

Veteran scrum-half Nic White is also in line for his Lions debut, after missing the 2013 series through injury. Meanwhile, rising playmaker Tom Lynagh could follow in the footsteps of his legendary father Michael Lynagh, who faced the Lions in 1989.

“We’ve tried to balance continuity with freshness,” Schmidt added. “There were some tight calls. Now it’s about cohesion and accuracy with just eight days to go.”

? LIONS TOUR SO FAR:

✅ Beat Western Force
✅ Beat Queensland Reds
✅ Beat NSW Waratahs
✅ Beat ACT Brumbies

Next stop? Brisbane.

?? Wallabies 36-Man Squad to Face the 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