Wallabies omit O’Connor after record Irish defeat
The revolving door of Wallabies five-eighth James O’Connor’s career continues and it is understood the experienced playmaker has been omitted from the squad heading to France for next Saturday’s Test at the Stade de France.
O’Connor played all the Tests of the Rugby Championship, but was left out of the Wallabies squad for the defeat against Italy and subsequently returned to the game. Ireland suffer record defeat in Dublin.
O’Connor’s inclusion in the Wallabies squad for Ireland comes after Carter Gordon struggled with a quad strain that hampered him throughout the Spring tour and forced him to miss the Ireland defeat. Last Monday in Dublin, Gordon spoke about the impact of being taught by O’Connor.
O’Connor made a difficult return for the Wallabies in the wet, playing a poor pass to Max Jorgensen and fumbling over Irish playmaker Sam Prendergast’s high shot early in the game.
O’Connor’s breakthrough in Test rugby was noticed after he holidayed in Morocco after he was not needed as the Wallabies prepared to face Italy in Udine.
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The five-eighth returned to the game against Ireland, visibly defensive and out of control, with coach Joe Schmidt describing his contribution in Dublin after the game.
“I thought O’Connor brought some really good energy, probably made some really nice kicks, especially the one that put us five meters away, but unfortunately we couldn’t capitalize on that,” Schmidt said.
“He made some really good tackles, which I know is probably not what the other half appreciate, but he’s a complete competitor.
