'A long time coming': James O'Connor kicked off his Super Rugby career in 2008. He's finally made a final
Updated . First published
James O'Connor remains hopeful of a fairytale Wallabies recall this week as he also eyes a storybook ending to his Super Rugby career in Christchurch on Saturday.
National coach Joe Schmidt is expected to name a squad of about 40 players in Sydney on Thursday to prepare for Tests against Fiji and the British and Irish Lions.
Schmidt has name dropped O'Connor this season on the back of his expert 'closer' form for the powerhouse Crusaders who will host the final against the Chiefs.
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James O'Connor runs in 2008. Getty
It will be O'Connor's first Super Rugby final after starting his professional career as a much-hyped 17-year-old in 2008 with the Western Force.
Now 34, he remains the youngest man to play Super Rugby in a career that also took him to the Melbourne Rebels, London Irish, Toulon, Queensland Reds and Sale Sharks.
O'Connor also played in the 2013 Lions series in Australia, won 2-1 by the tourists.
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Ethan Blackadder of the Crusaders and James O'Connor of the Crusaders react. Getty
"I've definitely got an eye on it," O'Connor told Stan Sport's Between Two Posts Extra, when asked about the Lions.
"But I'm just grateful for the opportunity and the position I'm in right now. In the finals of Super Rugby - that was my point of moving. To learn but also to be a part of a winning franchise and it's lined up so nicely.
"So I just want to be present, be in the moment, and just take everything as it comes.
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"And if that's part of my journey, if I get the opportunity to be involved in the Lions, that'll be incredible, and I'll be stoked about it, but that's a problem for next week. Right now, my mind's fully on preparing for this Chiefs outfit because they're going to be bloody tough."
The Crusaders are 31-0 in home finals but the bookmakers have installed the minor premier Chiefs as slight favourites.
O'Connor is off contract at the end of the season and is tipped to join the Leicester Tigers - under current Wallabies assistant coach Geoff Parling - in 2025-26.
"I'm feeling good, I'm feeling good in my body, and I'm feeling strong," he said.
"So I'd like to keep playing as long as I can. This is the first time I've been involved in a Super Rugby final. A long time coming - this is my 19th season!"
The Crusaders fought back from 14-0 to beat the defending champion Blues 21-14 in the semi-finals.
James O'Connor and assistant coach Brad Mooar of the Crusaders. Getty
The Crusaders have won 12 Super Rugby titles, along with the two editions of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
"I've been looking for secrets to bring back to Oz," O'Connor said.
"But it's not so much the detail, it's just the willingness to go to work. Like, boys put their foot in the tyre and swing. A big talking point here is how far will groups go and are they willing to match us to that 80th minute?
Sevu Reece of the Crusaders celebrates winning. Getty
"So it's not really so much the detail and the pretty side of it. Wet night, it's going to be freezing - it's just how far are you willing to go for the group and winning those effort areas. It's not a nice place to turn up and play footy.
"We do talk about this being our fortress. So the guys here have massive pride in playing for Christchurch, playing for the South Island.
"There's some incredible minds in this group and not just smart IQ rugby players, but actual dogs on the team. Love just to sink their teeth into physicality and play with smarts too. I've learned a lot and just really enjoyed the ride."
Will Jordan of the Crusaders celebrates after scoring a try. Getty
O'Connor had special praise for Crusaders fullback Will Jordan, who scored two tries to secure safe passage into the final.
"I've always rated him as a player, but now playing with him, you see why he does what he does. He puts so much work in off the field in terms of our strategy.
"But he's a big game player. He wants that ball, he's demanding that ball, and he's got a big voice. It's been awesome playing with him. Let's see if we can knock them out at home."
