'It's nice to have an experienced head': Incredible O'Connor comeback looms as Schmidt shows hand
Updated . First published
James O'Connor moved a step closer to an incredible Wallabies comeback as coach Joe Schmidt talked up the attributes of the veteran Crusaders playmaker.
O'Connor, 34, made his Test debut as an 18-year-old and played the last of his 64 internationals in 2022 under Dave Rennie.
His Wallabies career appeared over when he moved from Brisbane to Christchurch but it may have actually helped his selection chances.
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O'Connor's clutch performances off the bench have guided the Crusaders to second on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
And he looks set to take the reins as the starting No.10 down the stretch following a season ending injury to Taha Kemara.
"Yeah, I've talked to James. We've had a really good chat," Schmidt said in Melbourne after a visit to the Western Bulldogs AFL club and meeting with coach Luke Beveridge.
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Luke Beveridge poses with Joe Schmidt at Mission Whitten Oval. Getty
"With James, he's still playing in our local comp Super Rugby and he's not based currently in Australia. I don't think that precludes him. I don't think we've precluded anyone. We want to be as strong as we can be for a pinnacle event.
"James would bring experience back to the group and a little bit of versatility in that he's played 12 (inside centre) in his career as well."
Noah Lolesio of the Brumbies is the incumbent No.10.
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"Noah is still young in terms of international experience," Schmidt said.
"With all those players, it's nice to have an experienced head. Having come from the All Blacks recently where you had guys like Beauden Barrett, a 100 Test All Black, Damian McKenzie and Richie Mo'unga… those guys between them have 300 Tests.
"Comparatively, it's a very inexperienced group and James would bring that experience. It's part of the conundrum for us. We'll be working hard trying to get the best balance."
James O'Connor during the British and Irish Lions Test in 2013 in Sydney. Getty
O'Connor played in the losing series against the Lions in 2013.
The Lions name their squad on Thursday (11pm AEST).
Australia have two teams in Super Rugby playoff position with the Brumbies sitting third and the Reds fourth.
"I think it's been a fantastic competition this year. Any team can beat any team, as evidenced by the results from the weekend," Schmidt said.
"I know there'll be lots of commentary around whether the selections are right, but we will put a lot of effort into trying to get them right.
"We just know that if there are close calls, we're going to favour the guys who have committed their future to Rugby Australia.
"Once you get to those big playoff games, that's the highest level they play outside of Test football. You want to add a little bit extra weight onto those performances, and I think there was a really good upsurge from the Brumbies last week."
Reds No.10 Tom Lynagh backed O'Connor's push for selection.
"He's playing at a high level over in New Zealand, and the Crusaders are going really well, so I don't see why his name wouldn't be up for selection," Lynagh said.
"He sent me a message the other week, so it was nice to get in contact with him again, and it'll be nice to pick his brain a little bit about what he's learnt in the New Zealand system."
Meanwhile, Australia's under-20 team pulled off a remarkable second half comeback in a 29-24 Rugby Championship victory over South Africa on Wednesday (AEST).
After going scoreless, copping a yellow card and losing two players to injury in the opening half, the Australians piled on 29 straight points after the break to secure the historic victory at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Australia celebrates at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Getty
The win keeps Chris Whitaker's side in contention for their first Rugby Championship U20 title.
"The coaches reinforced our team identity, building pride for family back home, our friends and for ourselves," Australia captain Eamon Doyle said.
"That was the main message going at halftime – build some pride.
"We know South Africa's back three is lightning quick so our plan was to kick deep to the corners and I thought in the second half we controlled that really well."
Australia's final game is against Argentina on Sunday.
The Junior Wallabies drew with New Zealand in the tournament opener.
Rebels coach Kevin Foote at Leichhardt Oval. Getty
"I think Australia deserve a lot of credit for staying in the fight, they're gutsy and did well at that," South Africa coach Kevin Foote - the former Rebels mentor - said.
"We turned over too much ball and the defensive pressure became big for us.
"The No.1 thing to improve on is probably to look after our ball and making sure we don't give it up too easily, as well as our discipline to not concede soft penalties."
