James O’Connor’s roller-coaster year has continued after being dropped from the Wallabies just a week after returning.
With the Wallabies’ top six hopes all but dashed following their horror show in Dublin, Schmidt has determined O’Connor is surplus goods.
The decision means Tane Edmed, who was given less than ten minutes off the bench against Ireland, and Carter Gordon, who tweaked his quad during the loss to Italy, are the side’s two playmakers left in the Wallabies squad ahead of their final Test of the year against France in Paris.
O’Connor’s axing comes less than a week after being asked to abruptly end his holiday and rejoin the Wallabies ahead of the crunch Test against the world No.3 Irish.
While Joe Schmidt praised O’Connor following the 46-19 defeat over the weekend, privately the Wallabies coach believes the 35-year-old won’t feature at the World Cup.
It comes despite O’Connor helping the Crusaders to a Super Rugby title in 2025 and being signed by Leicester Tigers, last season’s runners-up in the English Premiership.
O’Connor struggled in the opening 20 minutes, with one left-to-right pass hitting the ground early, before spilling a ball after being whacked in the head by his opposite No.10 Sam Prendergast. The incident was let go by officials despite World Rugby cracking down on his tackles in recent weeks.
There is no suggestion that O’Connor experienced a concussion as a result of the tackle.
The playmaker, who debuted for the Wallabies in 2008, was also beaten in the air on a couple of occasions.
But he also helped ignite some of the Wallabies’ best attacking waves in recent matches, while he also found touch five-metres in the 65th minute when the visitors were still in touch of Ireland. Another botched lineout, however, wasted the moment to get back within one score of Andy Farrell’s side.
Following the rout, Schmidt praised O’Connor’s character.
“James, I thought he brought really good energy, probably put a couple of really nice touch kicks in, particularly that one that put us five metres out. We didn’t take advantage of it, unfortunately,” he said.
“He made some really good tackles. I know that’s not probably what the out-half is valorised for, but he’s such a competitor.”
One of the most structured coaches in the world, it’s understood Schmidt has asked the Wallabies to play tight and put the ball through the hands.
But, as he did during the remarkable win over the Springboks at Ellis Park, O’Connor has regularly sought to find space on the fringes.
That hasn’t always gone down well with Schmidt, The Roar understands.
The experienced coach hinted on that in his post-match press conference.
“I thought we probably overreached a couple of times passing long in those wet conditions,” he said.
“I think maybe a shorter passing game and we’ll have a look at that.
“James is very good at self-analysis, and having a look at the game. We’ll obviously catch up as a team and try to break that down, his game and others’ games.”
Joe Schmidt has dropped James O’Connor. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
It’s understood Schmidt broke the news to O’Connor on Sunday morning local time.
The playing group has been left shocked by the veteran’s abrupt departure, having just rejoined them less than a week ago.
The Wallabies take on France in their final Test of the year.
Schmidt’s side will need to at least draw the match to ensure they don’t rack up ten defeats for the first time in a calendar year.
The New Zealand coach, who has a 40.7 per cent win record with the Wallabies and 35 per cent in 2025, is due to hand over the coaching reins next August.
Les Kiss, who is approaching his third and final year with the Reds, will take over.
Christy Doranhttps://https://ift.tt/iK61Vcx left shocked as JOC dropped following record Ireland loss, blow up over missed ‘dogshot’ on star No.10
إرسال تعليق