Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt isn't ready to rule out James O’Connor for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, despite stepping down soon. After a standout 80-minute performance against the Springboks at Ellis Park—his first in the gold jersey in three years—O'Connor's prospects look promising. The 35-year-old playmaker steered the Wallabies to a seismic victory in Johannesburg, marking their first in the professional era.
As Schmidt prepares to pass the coaching baton to Les Kiss after the July internationals next year, he remains optimistic about O'Connor's chances to shine at the World Cup on home turf.
"It’s not my decision,"
Schmidt stated, emphasizing the rise of younger talent in the fly-half position. He highlighted that O’Connor’s role was also to mentor these emerging stars.
"I would never say never. Look at Johnny Sexton; I thought 2019 was his last World Cup, but he was outstanding in 2023,"
Schmidt remarked, drawing parallels with another seasoned player who defied expectations.
Despite O'Connor's hesitant start in Johannesburg, where he struggled initially, he soon found his rhythm. Schmidt praised the synergy between O'Connor and Nic White, whose combined experience and skill proved crucial.
"Nic’s kicking game was really important for us,"
Schmidt noted, underlining the importance of their partnership.
Looking ahead, Schmidt dismissed using past victories as motivational tools for the upcoming matches against the Springboks. He believes focusing on the present and controlling the game's outcome is paramount.
"We can’t wait for the Springboks to bring their game; we’ve got to kick off with our game a lot better than we did last week,"
he explained, setting the tone for a proactive approach in their next encounter.
The Wallabies are not just chasing a win but are also aiming to disrupt the Springboks' rhythm and secure a performance that could influence the World Rugby rankings, where a shake-up is imminent as the All Blacks vie for the top spot.
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Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt isn't ready to rule out James O’Connor for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, despite stepping down soon. After a standout 80-minute performance against the Springboks at Ellis Park—his first in the gold jersey in three years—O'Connor's prospects look promising. The 35-year-old playmaker steered the Wallabies to a seismic victory in Johannesburg, marking their first in the professional era.
As Schmidt prepares to pass the coaching baton to Les Kiss after the July internationals next year, he remains optimistic about O'Connor's chances to shine at the World Cup on home turf.
"It’s not my decision,"
Schmidt stated, emphasizing the rise of younger talent in the fly-half position. He highlighted that O’Connor’s role was also to mentor these emerging stars."I would never say never. Look at Johnny Sexton; I thought 2019 was his last World Cup, but he was outstanding in 2023,"
Schmidt remarked, drawing parallels with another seasoned player who defied expectations.Despite O'Connor's hesitant start in Johannesburg, where he struggled initially, he soon found his rhythm. Schmidt praised the synergy between O'Connor and Nic White, whose combined experience and skill proved crucial.
"Nic’s kicking game was really important for us,"
Schmidt noted, underlining the importance of their partnership.Looking ahead, Schmidt dismissed using past victories as motivational tools for the upcoming matches against the Springboks. He believes focusing on the present and controlling the game's outcome is paramount.
"We can’t wait for the Springboks to bring their game; we’ve got to kick off with our game a lot better than we did last week,"
he explained, setting the tone for a proactive approach in their next encounter.The Wallabies are not just chasing a win but are also aiming to disrupt the Springboks' rhythm and secure a performance that could influence the World Rugby rankings, where a shake-up is imminent as the All Blacks vie for the top spot.