Australia turn to O'Connor in search of Ireland inspiration / Photo: Phill Magakoe - AFP
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Australia turn to O'Connor in search of Ireland inspiration
James O'Connor has been summoned to revive Australia's faltering Autumn Nations Series campaign, with the veteran fly-half given the task of steering the Wallabies to a much-needed win over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Australia have lost five of their last six Tests, including defeats by England and Italy in their two most recent encounters.
But Wallaby boss Joe Schmidt, up against former side Ireland for the final time as Australia coach, now hopes the 35-year-old O'Connor, who orchestrated a superb win over world champions South Africa at Ellis Park in August, can turn the tide at Lansdowne Road.
O'Connor and Len Ikitau, recalled at centre, both missed the 25-7 loss to England at Twickenham on November 1 and the 26-19 defeat by Italy in Udine last weekend.
The pair were absent from the Twickenham clash as their English clubs were not obliged to release them for a match taking place outside World Rugby's designated international window.
O'Connor, one of five fly-halves selected by Australia this year, replaces Carter Gordon, who suffered quad tightness against Italy.
Tane Edmed, replaced by Gordon after his own poor performance against England, is again on the bench.
Ikitau, meanwhile, resumes his centre partnership with Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii for the 12th time in the Wallabies' last 16 Tests.
Schmidt, looking to rejuvenate the Wallabies' attack as they seek to nail down a top-six ranking spot which in the upcoming draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, has selected 21-year-old Max Jorgensen at full-back and wing Filipo Daugunu to join Harry Potter in the back three.
Experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa returns to the starting 15, joining hooker Matt Faessler and Angus Bell in the front row.
In a further change to the pack, Tom Hooper moves to lock with Rob Valetini starting at blindside flanker in a back row featuring Fraser McReight and skipper Harry Wilson.
"It's been a tough schedule but we've tried to embrace that this week and tried to freshen up at the same time," said Schmidt after announcing his side on Thursday.
"It's another opportunity this Saturday to really challenge ourselves against one of the top teams in the world."
Australia (15-1)
Max Jorgensen; Filipo Daugunu Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; James O'Connor, Jake Gordon; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Tom Hooper, Jeremy Williams; Allan Alaalatoa, Matt Faessler, Angus Bell
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Zane Nonggorr, Nick Frost, Carlo Tizzano, Ryan Lonergan, Tane Edmed, Andrew Kellaway
Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)
Ch.Kahalev--AMWN