Latest news with #JamesO'Connor
The Age
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
A Wallabies upset in South Africa no longer seems so fanciful
The Wallabies squad announced on Thursday had some big inclusions: Will Skelton and James O'Connor. Granted, they were already part of the British and Irish Lions series but their employers are in Europe and that has not always made it easy for the Wallabies. Their selections felt like victories and the fact they are heading to South Africa speaks volumes about what is going on inside the Wallabies camp at present: it's evidently a rewarding and stimulating environment. There will be frustration that they didn't get the job done against the Lions but a belief that they are building something. Players obviously want to be part of that, and the desire from numbers 1-23 to run through brick walls in Sydney in the third Lions Test is all you could ask for before two Tests against the Springboks in South Africa. The world champions are heavy favourites, and their fans will be expecting nothing less than two comprehensive wins, but even the most pessimistic, here's-another-false-dawn Wallabies supporter should acknowledge that there was something stirring in that Sydney victory. There are other elements to encourage guarded optimism as well. One savvy Herald reader made a great point to the column this week, raising the idea that Joe Schmidt's Wallabies were like Dave Rennie's Wallabies but with far better discipline, and that stats show Australia 'won' the penalty count against the Lions in the first two Tests, and drew the third one. That is a surefire sign that the Wallabies are now fully dialled in to the coach's demands, because a low penalty count was a trademark of the successful Schmidt era in Ireland. By contrast, poor discipline undid so much of the other good work that was happening under Rennie. Another factor has flown somewhat under the radar, but might become relevant in the land of the Bomb Squad. Tate McDermott's performance on the wing in the second Test was exceptional, and obviously something the Wallabies had been planning with their 6-2 bench split. Occasionally, the Reds halfback went into full Lomu mode, running over defenders, and it is already well established he has the pace to play on the edge. McDermott's performance will give the Wallabies comfort they can go again with a 6-2 split, loading up the bench with weapons such Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tom Hooper, Langi Gleeson and Carlo Tizzano, or at least three from that quartet.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
A Wallabies upset in South Africa no longer seems so fanciful
The Wallabies squad announced on Thursday had some big inclusions: Will Skelton and James O'Connor. Granted, they were already part of the British and Irish Lions series but their employers are in Europe and that has not always made it easy for the Wallabies. Their selections felt like victories and the fact they are heading to South Africa speaks volumes about what is going on inside the Wallabies camp at present: it's evidently a rewarding and stimulating environment. There will be frustration that they didn't get the job done against the Lions but a belief that they are building something. Players obviously want to be part of that, and the desire from numbers 1-23 to run through brick walls in Sydney in the third Lions Test is all you could ask for before two Tests against the Springboks in South Africa. The world champions are heavy favourites, and their fans will be expecting nothing less than two comprehensive wins, but even the most pessimistic, here's-another-false-dawn Wallabies supporter should acknowledge that there was something stirring in that Sydney victory. There are other elements to encourage guarded optimism as well. One savvy Herald reader made a great point to the column this week, raising the idea that Joe Schmidt's Wallabies were like Dave Rennie's Wallabies but with far better discipline, and that stats show Australia 'won' the penalty count against the Lions in the first two Tests, and drew the third one. That is a surefire sign that the Wallabies are now fully dialled in to the coach's demands, because a low penalty count was a trademark of the successful Schmidt era in Ireland. By contrast, poor discipline undid so much of the other good work that was happening under Rennie. Another factor has flown somewhat under the radar, but might become relevant in the land of the Bomb Squad. Tate McDermott's performance on the wing in the second Test was exceptional, and obviously something the Wallabies had been planning with their 6-2 bench split. Occasionally, the Reds halfback went into full Lomu mode, running over defenders, and it is already well established he has the pace to play on the edge. McDermott's performance will give the Wallabies comfort they can go again with a 6-2 split, loading up the bench with weapons such Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tom Hooper, Langi Gleeson and Carlo Tizzano, or at least three from that quartet.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Edmed answers Wallabies SOS call for South Africa tour
Departing NSW Waratahs playmaker Tane Edmed has answered an SOS call from Joe Schmidt to join a 35-man squad for the Wallabies' opening two Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa. The ACT Brumbies-bound Edmed has been called up to replace first-choice flyhalf Tom Lynagh, who was ruled out with concussion after falling victim to an illegal clean-out in the Wallabies' 22-12 win over the British and Irish Lions last Saturday night in Sydney. Versatile veteran James O'Connor has also been included as a No.10 option. Lynagh's halves partner for the first two Tests of the 2-1 series defeat, Waratahs captain Jake Gordon, is also unavailable to tour with a hamstring injury. Schmidt has opted to promote uncapped Brumbies No.9 Ryan Lonergan, who joins Tate McDermott and Nic White as the scrumhalves in Africa. White put his hand up to help the group again due to Gordon's injury, just a week after announcing his plans to is one of three uncapped players selected, alongside Brumbies teammate and winger Corey Toole and new Queensland Reds recruit and prop Aidan Ross. Western Force hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa has been officially added to the group, having answered a late call ahead of the final Lions Test after injuries to David Porecki and Matt Faessler last Thursday. Porecki subsequently announced his retirement this week. Queensland trio Josh Flook, Josh Nasser and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto are the other three new faces in the squad. Centre Flook will cover recently awarded Reds player of the year Filipo Daugunu, who will remain in Australia for the impending birth of his Wallabies face the Springboks in Johannesburg on August 16 before travelling to Cape Town for a return bout with the world champions. "It's pleasing to be able to keep the core of the group together, while also leaning on some depth and fresh bodies," Schmidt said. " We're very conscious of how difficult it is going to be, playing South Africa on their home turf over two consecutive weekends."The group has made some positive steps throughout the start of the Test season but we all know there is a lot of hard work ahead of us." WALLABIES SQUAD:Forwards - Angus Bell, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson. Backs - Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.
Irish Independent
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Kerry SHC Final: Abbeydorney captain James O'Connor wary of ‘very dangerous' Ballyduff
'It's one of our main motivations to break that barrier, and to win two-in-a-row,' the half-back says Kerryman Making hay while the sun shines – that's exactly what Abbeydorney have been doing for the last twelve months. Four different pieces of silverware have been collected. Will there be a fifth on Sunday? Will the champions keep a vice-like grip on the Neilus Flynn Cup? At 34 years of age, the indefatigable James O'Connor is closer to the end of his playing career than the beginning. Not that you would think that when you watch him in action. Joint-captain, with Michael O'Leary, the swashbuckling half-back knows that you must grasp every opportunity.
Boston Globe
17-07-2025
- Boston Globe
Stoneham man charged after allegedly breaking into St. Patrick's church
That status was revoked. Nothing was stolen from the Catholic church located at 71 Central St., according to a police report filed in court. 'Fortunately, no items of value were taken, and our team was able to quickly identify those responsible. We hope this swift resolution brings a sense of reassurance to the church community,' Chief James O'Connor said. The alleged break at the church occurred on Tuesday night, when police responded to a report of a burglary alarm sounding at 71 Central St., police said. Advertisement Officers discovered an open window leading to the lower level of the church, but found no one inside, according to police. Officers found a cell phone inside the church beneath the open window, the police report said. Police collected the phone as evidence and traced the number to Rubio. Officers went to his home, which is two buildings away from the church, and arrested him, the report said. His next court date is July 29. Camille Bugayong can be reached at
