This was published 9 months ago
O’Connor declares comeback intent as Reds prime for Wallabies takeover
By Nick Wright
Determined to cast aside an injury-plagued start to his season, James O’Connor declared his desire to don the Wallabies colours again and feature in one final British and Irish Lions tour next year.
While he was yet to take the field this year as he battled a hamstring concern, the 33-year-old believed there was enough life in him to make an impression under new Australian coach Joe Schmidt.
James O’Connor has expressed his hope he can still feature in next year’s British and Irish Lions tour.Credit: Getty
O’Connor had been in training, working overtime at the Queensland Reds to get back to full fitness, but was unlikely to return this week against the Western Force.
His inclusion would likely come off the bench, given the form shown by rookie five-eighths Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the Reds’ compelling start to the Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Inside centre Hunter Paisami is also set to return from a concussion lay-off this week, with the luckless Isaac Henry facing an extended stint on the sidelines with a leg injury.
However, and whenever, his first appearance comes, O’Connor believed he still had something to offer in the Wallabies set-up – one in need of rejuvenation after last year’s World Cup horror show.
As tickets for the Lions’ 2025 tour went on sale on Monday, the veteran of 64 Test caps reflected on his 2013 experience, announcing it as one of the finest moments of his career.
“It was a very special occasion, and one I’d love to be a part of again. It was incredible, I’ve played at World Cups, but this was a different level,” O’Connor said.
“There’s so many different countries and supporters when you’re coming onto that stage at the World Cup, but the Lions are literally 40,000 Brits coming over and there’s all the Australians, and it’s two teams on showcase, three-match series.
“It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I don’t think there is anything I could think of that’s similar … this is just two teams battling, it’s awesome.”
Queensland Reds star Harry Wilson has thrust his name to the front of the Wallabies’ selection queue. Credit: Getty
O’Connor could see the chance for a Queensland takeover in the Wallabies’ system nearing.
On the back of the Reds’ 3-1 start to the season, forwards Fraser McReight and Zane Nonggorr have strengthened their chances of retaining their national jumpers with a series of telling displays.
But perhaps the man who responded to the 2023 disappointment most emphatically was No.8 Harry Wilson, who bounced back from a year in limbo in which he was left unsure why he suffered the Wallabies axe.
Despite leading the past two Super Rugby seasons for total carries, the 24-year-old was cut by then-coach Eddie Jones one week into camp back in April.
Wilson has added an X-factor to his game – equal second for offloads [seven] while forging a lethal union with McReight.
O’Connor not only believed there were the makings of a Lion-taming Australian squad across the competition, but that the nucleus of it was in Queensland.
“Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales are all formidable teams – but I do believe when we come together we will have a team that is strong enough to beat them,” he said.
“I don’t want to single anyone out in particular, but there are a lot of guys in our pack I believe will definitely be putting their hand up this year.
“I would like to see more of a push for a Red-heavy Wallabies team. If we can continue to build on what we’re doing … and really show what each of our unique players can do, that’ll be the best chance for us.”
British and Irish Lions 2025 tour of Australia
- Saturday, June 28: Lions vs Western Force, Optus Stadium, Perth
- Wednesday, July 2: Lions vs Queensland Reds, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Saturday, July 5: Lions vs New South Wales Waratahs, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Wednesday, July 9: Lions vs ACT Brumbies, GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Saturday, July 12: Lions vs Invitational AU & NZ XV, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Saturday, July 19: Lions v Wallabies (First Test), Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Tuesday, July 22: Lions v Melbourne Rebels, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
- Saturday, July 26: Lions v Wallabies (Second Test), Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Saturday, August 2: Lions v Wallabies (Third Test), Accor Stadium, Sydney