Calling a British and Irish Lions series even more significant than a Rugby World Cup, James O’Connor has shared his pitch to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt for a potential return to the Test side.
O’Connor, who is currently excelling at the Crusaders, revealed he’s had a “positive conversation” with Schmidt about being back in contention for a shock recall ahead of this year’s blockbuster three-Test Lions tour in Australia.
“I really want it,” said the 34-year-old after another impactful performance off the bench in the Crusaders’ 48-33 Super Rugby win over the NSW Waratahs.
“I’d absolutely love the chance to play for the Wallabies again.”
Acknowledging the strong competition from younger talent, O’Connor admitted: “I know there are plenty of guys playing great rugby and hitting their peak. But I believe I can bring something unique to the team. Anything I can do to help us beat the Lions—I’m still bitter about 2013 and want to get redemption.”
“I feel sharper than I have in years and totally re-energized.”
Until recently, it was thought that the fly-half role for the Wallabies would come down to Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, or Ben Donaldson. But with none of them securing the spot decisively, O’Connor is confident he can step in and deliver—citing Dan Carter’s World Cup-winning return at 34 as proof that age can be an advantage.
O’Connor was just 23 when he was thrust into the No.10 jersey by then-coach Robbie Deans during the 2013 Lions series, which Australia lost 2-1. Reflecting now, he feels far more equipped for the responsibility.
“I kept bugging Robbie for a shot,” O’Connor said. “Back then, I didn’t shy away from the role, but I was cocky—I thought I could handle it all. But I had no idea how to control or manage a game. That series taught me how much I still had to learn.”
He recalled being outplayed in the decisive third Test in Sydney, especially by Lions veterans like Jonathan Davies and Brian O’Driscoll.
“I didn’t know how to react under that kind of pressure. I lacked the experience and understanding to shift momentum.”
His education in game management began during his stint overseas starting in 2013.
“At Toulon, I learned from Gits (Matt Giteau), Jonny Wilkinson, and even picked up things from Ma’a Nonu and Bryan Habana. Then I moved to Sale and gained insight from guys like AJ MacGinty and Faf de Klerk. I blended all those influences into my own style when I returned to the Reds.”
“I’m still evolving as a player, but I’ve been absorbing knowledge for five years now.”
Though he was used mostly at fullback and centre during the 2011 and 2019 World Cups, O’Connor insists that a Lions series stands apart.
“It’s bigger,” he said. “World Cups are incredible, but nothing prepared me for the Lions. I didn’t grow up watching Lions tours, but the senior guys always said how massive it was.”
“I thought, ‘I’ve played in a World Cup, how could it be any bigger?’ But every city—Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney—was packed with 60,000 fans. Every time we left the hotel, we were swarmed by Lions fans. And the British? They’re not exactly quiet. They’re out drinking by 10am and heckling you in the street.”
“It was wild, great fun, but honestly, it was overwhelming. Just a whole different level.”
