James O’Connor’s intriguing Wallabies selection pitch as British & Irish Lions series looms

Veteran James O’Connor revealed that he would like to see a “Reds-heavy” Wallabies side after the Queenslanders made a strong start to Super Rugby Pacific this season.

The Reds under the new tutelage of Les Kiss as head coach have hit the ground running this season with three wins from four games and their only loss came in a golden point match against the Hurricanes.

Mentor

O’Connor, who debuted in Super Rugby as a teenager, has not made an appearance this season due to a hamstring injury but has still been involved heavily in the season so far as a senior in the group.

The versatile star is loving his mentor-like role in the Reds set-up and feels he is adding value through that avenue.

“It’s a big part of my role, that senior voice in the team,” O’Connor said.

“I’ve been driving this group from the front for a long time and it’s something Les (Kiss) and the other coaches, they’ve been asking me a lot of questions.

“I feel very seen and I really enjoy helping.”

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Red-hot Queensland

The experienced campaigner acknowledged the togetherness the Reds are playing with this season and believes a lot of the Queenslanders would be useful for the Wallabies.

“The biggest thing this year is you can see we’re playing together, as a team,” O’Connor said.

“We’ve built on our base game and the little moments, we’re winning. Everyone’s on the same page.

“There’s a lot of guys in our pack that’ll be putting their hands up; I would like to see a Reds-heavy Wallaby team.

“Continue to play consistently and showcase what our unique players can do, it’ll make a great case for us.”

Lions loom

The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour is on the horizon and O’Connor is eager to lace it up yet again against the famous touring team that he believes the Wallabies can beat.

“It was a very special occasion and one I’d love to be a part of again,” O’Connor reflected.

“It’ll be important to select a team and build combinations that can set us apart from them.

“Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales are all formidable Test nations but when we come together we’ve a
team strong enough to beat them,” O’Connor said.

“We’re seeing an improvement at Super level and that’s where our mindset is at the moment.”

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