Australia recalls O'Connor to confront South Africa's title-holding team
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After a 59-year wait, the Wallabies are set to return to Ellis Park in Johannesburg for a Rugby Championship match against South Africa on Saturday. The last time Australia tasted victory at Ellis Park was in 1963, marking a challenging record of 10 losses for the Wallabies at this venue.
The starting lineup for Australia includes Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch, James O'Connor, Nic White, Harry Wilson (captain), Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Notably, James O'Connor replaces Ben Donaldson, who was excluded from the initial lineup due to concerns over his ability to handle the intensity of Test-match rugby from the start and his recent return to Australia with an abductor strain.
On the South African side, coach Rassie Erasmus has hinted at a potential change, suggesting he might add an additional scrummager at the expense of a back. This could potentially see lock RG Snyman promoted, with utility back Canan Moodie making way.
Meanwhile, the bench composition for Australia has undergone a change, switching from a five-three to a six-two split between forwards and backs. The replacements include Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, and Andrew Kellaway.
Joe Schmidt, the coach of Australia, stated that the team has had a good week of preparation for the upcoming match against South Africa. This comes after a series of changes in the lineup, with Quade Cooper replacing the unavailable Tom Lynagh, and James O'Connor being recalled to the team despite not playing a Test since 2022.
The other first round match of the Rugby Championship will be between Argentina and New Zealand in Cordoba, played later on Saturday. The second match between Australia and South Africa will take place on August 23 at Cape Town Stadium.
In other news, Ben Donaldson, a 35-year-old rugby player, helped the New Zealand Crusaders win the Super Rugby title this season. However, he last represented the Wallabies three years ago.
[1] Australian Rugby Union (ARU) press release, 1 August 2024. [2] Wallabies team announcement, ARU website, 2 August 2024. [3] James O'Connor's recall to the Wallabies, ESPN, 2 August 2024. [4] Quade Cooper's inclusion in the Wallabies squad, Fox Sports, 2 August 2024. [5] Ben Donaldson's exclusion from the Wallabies squad, ABC News, 2 August 2024.
Despite the long-standing history of challenges at Ellis Park, the Wallabies will be playing a Rugby Championship match against South Africa in Johannesburg on August 23, potentially aiming to break their losing streak. Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, a member of the starting lineup for Australia, hails from a country on the African continent, adding a unique connection to this African sports event.
