Joe Schmidt set to make ANOTHER change at fly-half while Wallabies speedster given reprieve after latest injury blow – report
James O'Connor is set to start in this weekend's Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks
The Wallabies are set to name James O’Connor at fly-half for this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks, according to reports down under.
O’Connor previously started both of Australia’s Tests against the Springboks, playing a key role in the win at Ellis Park in the process, but has since found himself on the bench with Tom Lynagh and Tane Edmed starting the following Tests against Argentina.
Joe Schmidt’s men sit top of the Rugby Championship table heading into the final two rounds of the tournament, and a win at Eden Park would go a long way to securing their first title since 2015.
James O’Connor primed for start v All Blacks
According to reports from The ROAR, O’Connor is set to usurp Edmed in the starting XV, with the Waratahs man set to take up a spot on the bench ahead of Lynagh.
O’Connor is also set to form a new half-back partnership at the All Blacks’ spiritual home, with Jake Gordon returning to the starting XV.
The 32-year-old back has been out of action since Test Two against the British and Irish Lions, but is set to come straight back into the mix following the now-permanent retirement of Nic White. Tate McDermott again looks likely to take up a spot on the bench.
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These will not be the only changes made in the backline for the clash in Auckland, either, with the ROAR also reporting Exeter Chiefs-bound Len Ikitau is set to return to the Wallabies’ starting XV after missing the loss to Los Pumas two weeks ago. Cory Toole, who was reportedly dropped from the initial squad, is also primed to come in at full-back with Andrew Kellaway ruled out through a calf injury.
Harry Potter is also in line to feature on the wing.
🗞️ Squad update from Auckland.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/WE38SJb3w7
— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 24, 2025
Elsewhere, forward Tom Hooper is also set to return to the starting XV in place of Rob Valetini, with the Brumbies back-rower also ruled out through injury. Hooper, who will follow Ikitau to South West England at the end of the Rugby Championship, also started the Wallabies’ two Tests against South Africa last month, but missed out on the Tests against Los Pumas.
