James O’Connor is set to return to the Wallabies starting lineup for Saturday’s Rugby Championship match with the Springboks at Ellis Park.
According to The Roar, head coach Joe Schmidt is expected to pick the 35-year-old playmaker at No 10 ahead of Ben Donaldson, who will likely feature off the bench for a fourth successive Test.
O’Connor last played for Australia in 2022, but his experience and game management appear to have swayed Schmidt for the season opener in Johannesburg.
The Wallabies are otherwise expected to stick with the side that wrapped up their series against the British & Irish Lions with a win in Sydney, although powerhouse No 8 Rob Valetini is unlikely to feature as he recovers from a calf injury.
Australia will name their match 23 on Thursday.
ALSO: Williams, Libbok to bring halfback heat
Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
The post Wallabies back O’Connor for Bok clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
