Joe Schmidt Omits James O’Connor from Squad as Lions Loom
James O’Connor won’t be suiting up for Australia’s match against the British and Irish Lions, as Joe Schmidt has decided to exclude him from the national squad set to face Fiji. The experienced 34-year-old fly-half was widely expected to make a comeback for the Lions series, scheduled to kick off on 19 July in Brisbane. However, Schmidt has opted for a different trio at number 10—Ben Donaldson, Noah Lolesio, and Tom Lynagh—who will feature in the warm-up Test against Fiji on 6 July.
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New Faces and Key Absentees in Wallabies Selection
While O’Connor’s omission is a major talking point, the selection includes a mix of familiar faces and newcomers. Western Force’s Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole are the only uncapped players among the 36-man squad. Their inclusion reflects the coaching staff’s intent to reward strong Super Rugby Pacific performances. Meanwhile, hooker David Porecki returns after last captaining the Wallabies during the 2023 World Cup. He’ll bring much-needed experience to the squad. Another significant inclusion is Will Skelton of La Rochelle, the only overseas-based player selected for this squad.
Coaching Perspective on Selection
Head coach Joe Schmidt acknowledged the challenges of finalizing the squad, stating that the selection process was very competitive. “There’ll always be guys who are thrilled and others who are disappointed,” he explained. “As a coaching group, we had honest, tough discussions and eventually settled on players we believe will gel as a unit and put in the work.” Schmidt emphasized the mix of consistency from the previous season and the introduction of players who have recently impressed at club level.
Looking Ahead to Fiji and the Lions
Schmidt made it clear that the current focus is on the upcoming clash with Fiji. Since this is the first time the squad has been assembled since January, the coach stressed the need for a fast start. With the British and Irish Lions series on the horizon, every match, including this warm-up, will be key in shaping the final squad and building chemistry within the team.
