O'Connor left out of Australia's Lions warm-up
The most recent of James O'Connor's 64 caps for Australia came in 2022
- Published
Veteran fly-half James O'Connor looks set to miss out on facing the British and Irish Lions this summer after being left out of Australia's squad to face Fiji in their only warm-up match.
The 34-year-old, who has made 64 appearances for the Wallabies, had been tipped to feature in Joe Schmidt's squad for the first time in three years.
But number 10s Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh and Noah Lolesio have been picked over Crusaders' O'Connor.
"Selection is always tight and there will be players who are excited and those that are disappointed," Schmidt said.
"There was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we've selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad."
New South Wales Waratahs back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been named in the 36-man squad after recovering from a fractured jaw.
The 21-year-old had an operation last month, sparking fears he would miss at least one of the Tests against the Lions.
Team-mate David Porecki has been named for the first time since captaining Australia at the 2023 World Cup, when the Wallabies failed to progress from the group stage for the first time in history.
La Rochelle lock Will Skelton is the only overseas-based player included in the squad.
Australia face Fiji in Newcastle, New South Wales, on 6 July.
The three-Test Lions series starts on 19 July.
Australia squad
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson , Will Skelton, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.
Analysis
BBC Sport rugby union news reporter Mike Henson
With the first Test against the Lions a month away, Joe Schmidt will have licence to chop and change from this initial selection once he assesses the tourists up close.
However, the omission of James O'Connor suggests that one of the more romantic potential storylines has been nipped in the bud.
O'Connor, then a 22-year-old tyro, started all three Tests on the Lions' last visit to Australia and has had an impressive stint with New Zealand's Crusaders this season.
The possibility of him returning to haunt the Lions, a la Morne Steyn in 2021, now looks slim, with first-choice Lolesio recovered from injury and Donaldson and Tom Lynagh, the son of Wallaby great Michael, preferred.
After the Lions named a heavyweight backline for their warm-up Test against Argentina, the Wallabies might be tempted to draft in the experience of Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete, who have been playing out in the Japanese top flight.
Kerevi has scored 14 tries in 16 games for the Urayasu D-Rocks. The step up to Test rugby is large, but one that several South African stars seem to take in their stride after stints in Japan.
Look out for Harry Potter, born in Wimbledon, raised Down Under and part of the Leicester team that won the 2022 Premiership title, and sevens speed demon Corey Toole on the wings.
Second row Darcy Swain, who is back almost three years since his last cap, can bring an edge to the pack and be a Justin Harrison-style bogeyman at the line-out.