O'Connor left out of Australia's Lions warm-up squad
Veteran fly-half James O'Connor looks set to miss out on facing the British and Irish Lions this summer after being left out of Australia's squad to face Fiji in their only warm-up match.The 34-year-old, who has made 64 appearances for the Wallabies, had been tipped to return to Joe Schmidt's squad for the first time in three years. But number 10s Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh and Noah Lolesio have been picked over Crusaders' O'Connor. "Selection is always tight and there'll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed," Schmidt said."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."New South Wales Waratahs back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been named in the 36-man squad after recovering from a fractured jaw.The 21-year-old had an operation on his jaw last month, sparking fears he would miss at least one of the Tests against the Lions. Team-mate David Porecki has been recalled to the squad for the first time since captaining Australia at the 2023 World Cup, when the Wallabies failed to emerge from the group stage for the first time.La Rochelle lock Will Skelton is the only overseas-based player included in the Wallabies' squad.
Australia squad
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.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.
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