Rugby-Old head O’Connor gets Schmidt backing following unlikely return

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Autumn International - Wales v Australia - Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - November 20, 2021 Australia's James O'Connor misses a conversion Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Injuries have given James O'Connor the chance to win a first Australia cap in three years in the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa on Saturday, but coach Joe Schmidt believes the flyhalf is ready to run the game.

Injuries to Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh and Ben Donaldson have opened the door for O’Connor, 35, to make his first international appearance since 2022 in the cauldron of Ellis Park.