O’Connor answers Wallabies’ SOS

by | Sep 18, 2025 | African Golf News

James O’Connor will have to wait a little bit longer to make his English Premiership debut for the Leicester Tigers.

The flyhalf has been retained for national duty for the final two Rugby Championship Tests against the All Blacks.

The 35-year-old left for England on Monday, but received an emergency call from coach Joe Schmidt requiring his services for their trip to New Zealand.

O’Connor will cover over 34,000km in 51 hours of travel before linking up with his teammates in New Zealand.

O’Connor had initially been cleared by Schmidt to leave as he would not be needed for the Eden Park Test on 27 September, but with Ben Donaldson not yet fit, Schmidt decided to put out the SOS.

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There has been some positive news for the Wallabies on the injury front. Jake Gordon has been declared fit and is the only new inclusion.

Lock Nick Frost and centre Len Ikitau remain in the mix after sitting out the second Test against Los Pumas, while Ryan Lonergan is the only uncapped player in the 34-man squad.

Schmidt said the short break after a gruelling schedule – which has included the Lions series, Tests in South Africa and clashes against Argentina – had been vital.

“It’s been ideal for players to take a breath before heading to Auckland for the fifth match in the Rugby Championship,” Schmidt said.

“We know that the Championship has been incredibly competitive and that we will need to be better than we were last time out to have any chance against a fired-up All Blacks side.”

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The Wallabies currently top the standings on 11 points, just ahead of the Springboks and All Blacks on 10, and Argentina on nine.

Wallabies squad:
Forwards – Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.
Backs – Filipo Daugunu, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph Suaalii, Corey Toole.
Unavailable: Charlie Cale, Langi Gleeson, Noah Lolesio, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Wright.

Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images

The post O’Connor answers Wallabies’ SOS appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.