Playmaker James O’Connor has pleaded his case to head coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the Wallabies’ squad announcement for the British and Irish Lions series.
The 35-year-old missed out on the team for the clash with Fiji, but an injury to Noah Lolesio has opened up a spot at fly-half.
Ben Donaldson is currently the only fit pivot with youngster Tom Lynagh also nursing an injury, which kept him out of the encounter against the Flying Fijians.
O’Connor’s name has been bandied about throughout the season, having helped the Crusaders to the Super Rugby Pacific title, and he hopes he’s done enough to make the squad for the Lions.
Staying fit while in ‘limbo’
The talented back is still training hard while, as he describes it, being in “limbo”, with the former Western Force and Reds star not certain of a call-up.
“I’ve been in the wings staying fit, training every day, you never know when you’re going to get called upon,” he told the GBRANZ podcast.
“Hey, there might be an opportunity. The Reds have looked after me so I’ve been training with a few of the guys and a couple of other guys.
“Samu Kerevi’s [also] in that sort of limbo spot where he’s staying fit and wants to be a part of it if he gets a call.
“I’m just training every day. I’ve got the field, got the net up for goal-kicking, got a sauna, got a gym – what else do you need?”
Joining the show alongside host Andy Rowe and pundits Justin Marshall and Jeremy Paul, O’Connor was asked to give his message and state his case to head coach Schmidt.
“If you pick me, I will do a job for you. I will go to war for you brother. That’s all I can say, I will put this body on the line,” he said.
Missed Lions opportunities
O’Connor also revealed that he was in line to face the Lions for the AUNZ Invitational XV but that the playmaker hit a stumbling block which prevented him from being selected.
The Leicester Tigers-bound fly-half could have also played for the Reds against the famous touring team, according to the pivot, but that did not materialise either.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t get insured for the Anzac game. There was chat about possibly being involved in the Reds game but they got a couple of Wallabies guys back.
“I was hoping to be a part of the Anzac game but a few of us couldn’t get insured. I just turned 35 two days ago so I think that’s [the reason].
“I would have loved to have played in that Anzac game but, at the end of the day, put my best foot forward and stay fit. If I get called into camp then I will do my best to do a job, that’s for sure.”