O'Connor starts for Wallabies, but training injury complicates Rugby Championship

James O’Connor returns to the Wallabies’ starting XV

Experienced player James O’Connor has been selected to start in the crucial match that will mark the beginning of the Rugby Championship for the Wallabies, who will face the Springboks. However, the bad news continues for the Australian team, as Ben Donaldson suffered an injury during Thursday’s training. O’Connor, 35, will wear the number 10 jersey at the iconic Ellis Park in Johannesburg next Sunday morning. This decision represents a significant change in the strategy of coach Joe Schmidt, who had previously expressed the need to renew the team, leaving aside figures like O’Connor, Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley to make way for young promises. Noah Lolesio’s injuries, who underwent neck surgery, and Tom Lynagh’s, who suffered a blow in training, have forced Schmidt to reconsider his lineup.

Schmidt was expected to opt for Donaldson and for O’Connor to come off the bench in South Africa. However, the coach has preferred experience, leaving Donaldson out of the squad after his recent injury. Schmidt initially had planned a 6-2 distribution on the bench, but changed his decision to include Tane Edmed, who was called up to cover the absence of Tom Lynagh, as a replacement in the opening position.

“In the penultimate training exercise, Donno kicked the ball and felt discomfort,” Schmidt stated during the team announcement on Thursday. “We don’t know the severity of the injury. We will have a definitive picture after a scan, as we need to know for next week. At the same time, we are evaluating the best way to cover the number 10 position at Ellis Park.”
Joe Schmidt, Wallabies coach

Donaldson’s injury adds to a series of setbacks during the Wallabies’ training sessions, with Rob Valetini, Will Skelton, and Jake Gordon suffering injuries before or during the series against the British and Irish Lions. Schmidt has kept faith in the team that defeated the Lions in the last match in Sydney, with O’Connor as the only change in the starting team that triumphed 22-12. Nick Champion de Crespigny could play his second match, as Schmidt has opted for an additional player in the forward pack to face the Springboks. O’Connor hasn’t played since the Crusaders’ victory over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final. His performance for the Crusaders this season, where he played a significant role, generated calls for his return to the Wallabies. The weekend’s challenge is significant for O’Connor and the Wallabies, as Australia hasn’t beaten the Springboks in South Africa since 2010 and only has one win at Ellis Park, in 1963. The Australian team will face the world champions after three intense matches with the Lions, and has retained the services of Will Skelton for their two-match tour of South Africa. “I think the Springboks have improved their game,” Schmidt said about South Africa. “I expect them to be strong in the attacking game and in the kicking game. They have lethal finishers.”Wallabies Lineup: