O’Connor returns to steer the Wallabies in Dublin
James O’Connor has been recalled to the Wallabies’ starting squad after being left out of the previous three Tests against Japan, England and Italy.
O’Connor played all the Tests of the Rugby Championship and then moved to play for Leicester, where he plays under former Wallabies assistant coach Geoff Parling.
James O’Connor returns to helm the Wallabies ship Credit: Getty Images
O’Connor has started the last two matches for his club and his ability to open up the Wallabies’ backline will be much needed against a motivated Ireland team criticized by the local media for their slow performances in the previous two Tests against Japan and New Zealand.
O’Connor has been working closely with rookie playmaker Tane Edmed in training in Dublin and was named on the bench for his second consecutive Test with the Brumbies finishing eighth.
Former Gold Coast Titans player Carter Gordon started the defeat against Italy in Udine, but a quad strain limited his ability to clear the ball from the face-off spot and out of control, with Andrew Kellaway taking conversions and halfback Jake Gordon being responsible for restarts.
Wallabies star center Len Ikitau returned to the starting line-up as partner of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who traveled with the team to Italy and did not play in the defeat to Udine.
Max Jorgensen also returns to the starting 11 in the full-back position after being rested for the defeat against Italy. Jorgensen started the defeat against England on the wing and carried the ball only once in London, according to World Rugby statistics. Harry Potter and Filipo Daugunu will start on the wing for the Wallabies.
Prop Taniela Tupou was left out of the matchday squad where she started against England and Italy. Tupou is replaced by Allan Alaalatoa, while Zane Nonggorr is on the bench.
