Rugby-Wallabies call up O'Connor for Lions series after Lolesio loss

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Autumn International - Scotland v Australia - BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Britain - November 7, 2021 Australia's James O’Connor scores a penalty goal REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/File Photo

(Reuters) -Australia coach Joe Schmidt called up experienced flyhalf James O'Connor into his squad for the three tests against the British & Irish Lions on Friday after losing Noah Lolesio for the series.

Lolesio required neck surgery after suffering whiplash in the victory over Fiji last weekend so 35-year-old O'Connor gets a second shot at facing the Lions after starting at flyhalf in all three tests in 2013, when Australia lost 2-1.