Wallabies veteran James O'Connor picked for fairytale comeback against Lions after stirring pledge to coach
Updated . First published
James O'Connor has earned a fairytale Wallabies recall and will take on the might of the British and Irish Lions for a second time.
O'Connor started all three Tests at No.10 for Australia in the 2013 series, won 2-1 by the Lions.
And his fine form for the title-winning Crusaders this season meant the 35-year-old was at the front of the selection queue when first choice Noah Lolesio suffered his series-ending injury against Fiji on Sunday.
Watch all the action from the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every match live and on demand
James O'Connor. Stan
O'Connor pleaded his case successfully to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast this week.
"If you pick me, I will do a job for you. I will go to war for you brother. That's all I can say, I will put this body on the line," O'Connor said.
"I've been in the wings staying fit, training every day, you never know when you're going to get called upon. Hey, there might be an opportunity."
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James O'Connor during the British and Irish Lions Test in 2013 in Sydney. Getty
It remains to be seen whether O'Connor (64 caps) will feature in the opening Test in Brisbane on July 19.
Ben Donaldson (17) and Tom Lynagh (3) are the other playmakers in the squad of 36 players named at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
"I had a few conversations with James during the year," Schmidt told Stan Sport's Nick McArdle.
"He had a good Super season for the Crusaders. He stayed close, he stayed connected the whole way through.
"And his experience was something that helped Tom Lynagh last year here at Suncorp and with the Reds and so that experience can potentially help the players again, particularly young 10s, as they continue to progress."
O'Connor - who is joining Leicester for the 2025-26 season - told reporters that he was sorting out his England visa in an office in Brisbane on Friday morning when Schmidt was trying to call him telling him that he was in the squad.
James O'Connor of the Crusaders celebrates with his team after kicking the winning penalty. Getty
"I thought he was taking the piss," O'Connor said.
"I'm rattled... honestly, it hasn't sunk in. I found out about an hour and a half ago."
Lolesio, meanwhile, took to Instagram from his hospital bed after surgery to thank his supporters.
"Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers, it has been a crazy few days. I am so grateful for Dr Tony Tsahtsarlis and his team for their exceptional care and for going above and beyond for me," Lolesio wrote.
"For now I'm surrounded by my loved ones back at home and will be out for a while. Thank you everyone again for your support."
The only other change to the squad is Queensland Reds lock Josh Canham replacing Darcy Swain of the Western Force.
Josh Canham of the Rebels passes the ball at AAMI Park. Getty
ACT Brumbies speedster Corey Toole and Force backrower Nick Champion de Crespigny are the only two uncapped players named in the squad.
Schmidt continued his tradition of not naming a captain for the series, despite skipper Harry Wilson saving Australia with the match winning try in the 79th minute against Fiji.
"As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls," Schmidt said.
Harry Wilson of the Wallabies is presented the Vuvale Bowl by Anthony Albanese and Sitiveni Rabuka. Getty
"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."
WALLABIES SQUAD TO PLAY THE LIONS
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, 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: 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
