O'Connor, Pocock answer Wallaby SOS in SA
Former bad boy James O’Connor is flying out to link with the Wallabies squad in South Africa even before signing to return to Australian Rugby.
The Wallabies, who open their campaign against South Africa at Ellis Park on July 20, arrived in the Republic two weeks ahead of the start of the Rugby Championship.
O’Connor got the chance after wing Marika Koroibete was allowed to remain in Melbourne for the imminent birth of his second child.
Rugby Australia says O’Connor, who wants to return ahead of this year’s World Cup, will join the squad on a train-on basis only.
It’s understood 29-year-old O’Connor’s contract talks with the Reds are progressing well and a deal is likely before the opening Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday week.
The 44-Test utility back will be joined on the flight by injured back row star David Pocock, who is to continue rehab on his problematic calf muscle while in South Africa.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika expects Koroibete to rejoin the squad well before the Springbok Test.
Also read:
Lealiifano gives Australia confidence ahead of Bok clash Wallabies play never-ending waiting game with injured star Lealiifano in, Cooper out for Wallabies’ South Africa clash Wallaby team for Bok Test unpacked Lealiifano gives Australia confidence ahead of Bok clash
Wallabies play never-ending waiting game with injured star
Lealiifano in, Cooper out for Wallabies’ South Africa clash
Wallaby team for Bok Test unpacked
However, in the meantime, RA was able to switch his flight booking over to O’Connor.
“Marika [Koroibete] should join us later in the week, but mother nature is in charge here, so until then it’s a good opportunity for James to integrate into the team playing principles,” said Cheika.
“For David, we really want to do some specific rehab work with him and it’s just better to have him with us at this stage to ensure we get his return to play exactly right,” Cheika said.
While his previous career in Australia was marked by several off-field indiscretions, the gifted O’Connor received praise from his latest employers, English club Sale, for his contribution there last season.
Related article:
