James O’Connor reveals his ‘great conversations’ with Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt and how he ‘could add some value’
James O'Connor in the Wallabies colours in 2022
Wallabies hopeful James O’Connor has revealed the level of dialogue he has been having with Joe Schmidt in the hope of a Test squad recall for next month’s series versus the British and Irish Lions.
The soon-to-be 35-year-old, who was last capped by his country in 2022, has enjoyed a renaissance this season after exiting the Reds for the Crusaders. O’Connor’s stint in New Zealand will culminate in an appearance in this Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific final versus the Chiefs in Christchurch.
He refused to reveal which club he could move to, suggesting he is having a few conversations with different teams and that family considerations will dictate what eventually happens.
However, he spoke openly about his desire to get back in the Wallabies mix, telling YaySweepstakes about the conversations he has been having with head coach Schmidt ahead of the three-match series which begins on July 19 in Brisbane.
“We have had some really good conversations,” he explained. “The door is open. It’s going to be up to me to perform, especially in Super Rugby. We are in the final!
“He said I’m there or thereabouts…”
“He said without giving too much away that I’m there or thereabouts, so it’s going to be up to me to consistently keep doing what I’m doing and then he will make some decisions. But yes, we have had some great rugby conversations about strategies, what the Lions might bring and what I have learned in New Zealand. He is such a switched-on guy who definitely gets his footy.
“I would love to add to my caps even if it’s only a couple more,” added O’Connor. “I would love to be involved in a Lions series in whatever way that might be. I feel like I could add some value, whether it is playing against the Lions or off the bench, or just being in the squad.
“It is not so much about proving people wrong. Everyone is going to have an opinion. There are a lot of talented guys in my position now, some good 10s running around. Three years ago, a lot of them were quite green. There has been a lot of growth in that position since the likes of Bernard Foley and Quade Cooper moved on.
“I feel like I can add value. I’d love to play for my country again, and this is the peak, the pinnacle, the highest level of footy you can play. The British (and Irish) Lions are the best of the north so if I feel like I’m still up to it and I am doing the job, this is the one you want.
“I have been around the block a little bit, and I know how a lot of these teams play footy and what they will be focusing on. I have played against a lot of the players coming down to Australia. A Lions series is something totally different even to a World Cup. The stakes are so high. It only comes around every 12 years, two teams, three games.
“I just love the fact that it’s just about two teams and they are getting to play each other three times. You have to be innovative, have to be able to tweak your game plan, and you have to be on the ball because it’s three games in a row against the same opposition.”
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O’Connor has been linked with a move back to the northern hemisphere, with beaten Premiership Leicester among the leading contenders for his signature as a replacement for the Bulls-bound Handre Pollard. However, he insisted nothing has yet been decided. “I’m having a few conversations with different teams. I’m not sure what’s going to happen next year. A big part of that will be what happens with the Lions.
“I’m at this stage in my life as well where I am turning 35, so I don’t know how many more years I have and what are my priorities, what I want to do with my wife, where do we want to live.
“I have been blessed to have been able to travel the world and play good rugby for a lot of good teams, so it’s not so much just about me anymore in terms of what rugby club I want to go to. It’s what is best for my family, and what are our priorities.
“I definitely want to get into coaching when I finish, so it’s how can I keep collecting knowledge and keep learning so that when I finish, I can add value in that space. In terms of how long I can continue playing; well my body feels good.
“It’s good coming on as a replacement, it’s easier on the body, but I am not lying, I would like to start a couple more games. That would be a factor and a nice change. My main priority right now is to win the Super Rugby title this week, that would be super cool.
“The Lions will be my sole focus after that and after that, I will be able to sit down and make some decisions and figure out what is best.”
