Test coach Joe Schmidt says James O’Connor offers a valuable experience for the Wallabies’ backline with the strongest signing, but the veteran will be chosen to face the British and Ireland Lions.
O’Connor left Queensland and played for the Crusades in the Super Rugby Pacific Competition, leading the New Zealand heavyweight to second place in the ladder.
Because of the move, Schmidt said the 34-year-old is another case for others who have brought their overseas careers to Japan or Europe or have promised to do so in the future.
“I talked to James and we had a really good chat,” Schmidt said.
“With James, he is still playing in our local comps. He is not currently based in Australia, but I don’t think it will eliminate him.
“He’s a bit closer to home and I think I’ll continue to challenge myself. I think he took the opportunity to crusade because in the Reds, you have Harry McLaughlin Phillips.
O’Connor played the final of the 64 Test in 2022, with Schmidt saying his experience and versatility are important, taking into account the greenness of other fly-half candidates.
“James, he’s going to bring the experience back to the group. He was a bit more versatile in that he played 12 in his career as well.
“It’s nice to have an experienced head along with all the players, as he’s still young in terms of international experience, even Tom (Linag), Noah (lolesio) last year.
“I came from the recent All Blacks, who had people like Borden Barrett, Damien Mackenzie and Richie Moga recently — there’s a 200 Test Match Experience Plus between these three.
“Relatively, it’s a very inexperienced group and James will bring that experience.”
Linag, who made his Test debut with four caps last year, said O’Connor was his mentor with the Reds before he left for Christchurch and felt that he should choose a veteran if his form justified it.
“Of course. He’s still playing at a high level… The Crusades are really good,” said Linag, 22, the son of Wallabee’s great Michael.
“I don’t know why it’s not. Everyone reaches out to make a choice and Love (O’Connor) is on track.”
Schmidt said it was third and third Brumbies, fourth in Queensland, fourth in Super Ladder.
“Do you have to consider that? Isn’t that the case? When you get to those big playoff games, it’s the highest level they play outside of Test football, Schmidt said.
“So I want to add a little extra weight to those performances.”