Joe Schmidt highlights James O’Connor’s experience for the Wallabies
The team’s coach, Joe Schmidt, has indicated that James O’Connor could bring valuable experience to the Wallabies’ back line, strongly suggesting his possible selection to face the British and Irish Lions.
O’Connor, who left Queensland to play with the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific, has been key for the New Zealand team, which is in second place in the table.
Schmidt explained that the situation of O’Connor, 34, is different from that of other players who have chosen to play in Japan or Europe, or who plan to do so.
Schmidt commented: “I have spoken with James and we had a good conversation”.
“James is still playing in our local competition, although he is not currently in Australia, I don’t think that excludes him. He’s a little closer to home, and I think to keep challenging himself, he took the opportunity with the Crusaders. At the Reds, you have Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who are in good form.”
O’Connor played his last game with 64 appearances in 2022. Schmidt highlighted that his experience and versatility are important, considering the youth of other candidates for the opening position.
“James would bring experience to the group, a bit of versatility, as he has also played at center in his career. Both Tom Lynagh and Noah Lolesio last year are young in terms of international experience, so it’s good to have an experienced head.”
“Comparatively, it’s a very inexperienced group and James would bring that experience.”
Of course. Keep playing at a high level… the Crusaders are doing very well.
Tom Lynagh
Lynagh, who debuted for the team last year and has played four matches, mentioned that O’Connor was a mentor to him at the Reds before he left for Christchurch. He believes that, if his performance warrants it, the veteran should be selected.
Schmidt also pointed out that the players involved in the Brumbies and Queensland teams, who are in prominent positions in the Super Rugby table, could use the finals to seek selection.
“You have to take that into account, right? When you get to those big playoff games, that’s the highest level they play outside of national team football. So you want to add a little more weight to those performances.”
