1
Andy Onyeama-Christie on brink of Saracens exit as new club emerge
2
{{item.n}}
James O'Connor starts in Wallabies team for Boks
By Ian Cameron
James O’Connor has been handed the Wallabies’ No10 jersey for Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Crusaders playmaker is recalled to start in place of the injured Tom Lynagh and will play his first Test since August, 2022.
The 34-year-old is the sole change to the XV that edged the British & Irish Lions in Sydney a fortnight ago, with Lynagh sidelined after suffering a concussion in that win.
Up front, James Slipper, Billy Pollard and Taniela Tupou pack down in the front row, Slipper one of just three players in the squad with previous experience at Ellis Park alongside Tupou and Nic White. Nick Frost and Will Skelton continue their partnership in the second row, while Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson make up the loose forwards.
Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii start in midfield for the seventh straight Test, with Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen on the wings and Tom Wright at fullback.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell and Zane Nonggorr form the front-row cover on the bench, with Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson and Nick Champion de Crespigny completing the forward reserves. Tate McDermott and Andrew Kellaway provide backline options.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The group has had a good week of preparation, adjusting pretty well to the time zone and the altitude well here in Johannesburg. There’s not many bigger Tests than playing South Africa on their home turf and we know we’re going to need to be at our best on Saturday night.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Wallabies team to play South Africa:
1. James Slipper
2. Billy Pollard
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Nick Frost
5. Will Skelton
6. Tom Hooper
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson (c)
9. Nic White
10. James O’Connor
11. Dylan Pietsch
12. Len Ikitau
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
14. Max Jorgensen
15. Tom Wright
Replacements:
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
17. Angus Bell
18. Zane Nonggorr
19. Jeremy Williams
20. Langi Gleeson
21. Nick Champion de Crespigny
22. Tate McDermott
23. Andrew Kellaway
To be first in line for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia tickets, register your interest here