VIDEO: Why New Zealand-based veteran missed Wallaby cut

James O’Connor’s dreams of earning a recall for Australia’s hosting of the British and Irish Lions appear over after the veteran playmaker was overlooked for the Wallabies squad to face Fiji in three weeks.

Coach Joe Schmidt on Thursday named a 36-strong squad to assemble on Sunday in Sydney for the Wallabies’ season-opening international in Newcastle on July 6.

The squad included 20 forwards and 16 backs, with Western Force back row forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies wing Corey Toole the only two uncapped players selected.

But there was no room for O’Connor despite Schmidt last month admitting the Wallabies could use the 34-year-old’s experience following his impressive run of form in helping the Crusaders reach Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific Final against the Chiefs.

Schmidt has instead pinned his faith in youth, with Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson, and Tom Lynagh the three No.10 options selected.

O’Connor’s omission leaves evergreen prop James Slipper, Australia’s most-capped player, as the sole survivor from the Wallabies squad that lost the 2013 series one-two to the B&I Lions.

In-form Brumbies No.9 Ryan Lonergan and injured Queensland forwards Seru Uru and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto are other notable absentees. Still, they could yet force their way into a larger squad of up to 40 players to be named for the B&I Lions series on July 11.

Waratahs hooker David Porecki has been named in the national set-up for the first time since captaining the team during the 2023 World Cup in France, while another former leader, giant lock Will Skelton, is the only overseas based-player in the squad.

Japan-based stalwarts Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete plus France-based Pete Samu were all left out.

Western Force stars de Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain and Nic White have been picked but will remain on the west coast to prepare for Saturday week’s clash with the B&I Lions in Perth.

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“Selection is always tight and there’ll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed,” Schmidt said.

“As coaches, there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we’ve selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad.

“There’s some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific.

“This squad’s immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January.”

Australia squad

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.

Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.