Latest news with #NoahLolesio
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Veteran James O'Connor answers fly half SOS as Wallabies confirm squad for Lions series
Veteran playmaker James O'Connor has answered Australia's fly half SOS ahead of the British and Irish Lions series, with the 35-year-old given a shock Wallabies recall. O'Connor returns to Joe Schmidt's squad for the three Tests against the tourists after the hosts lost first-choice No 10 Noah Lolesio to injury in their win over Fiji last week. In the latest chapter in a remarkable, and somewhat curious, international career, O'Connor could be in line to add to his 64 caps 17 years after becoming the youngest ever Wallaby, and may feature against the Lions for a second time having started all three Tests in 2013. 144-cap prop James Slipper was also involved 12 years ago and is another experienced head in a largely settled squad named by head coach Schmidt, though Brumbies flyer Corey Toole and Western Force flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny could press for debuts. 'As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls,' Schmidt said. 'We're conscious of how special it is to play the British and Irish Lions, so for those selected in the squad, they'll be competing for Test jerseys, while also trying to help others prepare. 'We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test [in Brisbane] in eight days. We are excited by what's to come.' O'Connor is joined among the fly half options in the squad by youngster Tom Lynagh - son of Wallabies great Michael - and Ben Robertson, who can also play at full-back. The 35-year-old enjoyed a strong Super Rugby Pacific season in the colours of the Crusaders in Christchurch, and will join Leicester Tigers in the Premiership next season. James O'Connor featured against the Lions in 2013 (REUTERS) "Noah's injury opened up a doorway for me. And even then, again, I still didn't think I'd made it," O'Connor said in Brisbane. "So, to be here right now and to be given the opportunity to be with this group of men, I'm bloody excited." France-based lock Will Skelton is the lone overseas inclusion in Schmidt's 36-man party. After the opening Test at Suncorp Stadium, Australia host the Lions in Melbourne and Sydney. Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, 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, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson. Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Australia fly half Noah Lolesio set to miss Lions series after undergoing neck surgery
Australia fly half Noah Lolesio is set to miss the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions after undergoing surgery at hospital after a worrying incident during the Wallabies' win over Fiji. Lolesio was carried off on a stretcher in a neck brace during the second half of the clash in Newcastle after his head collided with the pitch following a tackle attempt. The 25-year-old was discharged from hospital later on Sunday to rejoin the rest of the Wallabies squad at their team hotel, though returned to undergo surgery on Tuesday following further medical assessment. Rugby Australia have now confirmed that the playmaker will take a period of time away from the game, though it is hoped that we will make a full recovery. 'Firstly, we were relieved that Noah was up and moving well when he returned to the team hotel after his initial hospital visit in Newcastle on Sunday,' Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt said. 'Further to that, it's an added relief for everyone, especially his family, that successful surgery now has him on the road to recovery.' Lolesio had also been taken off on a stretcher following a collision during the Brumbies' win over the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific back in May, though was later cleared of serious injury. Noah Lolesio was taken off on a stretcher during Australia's win over Fiji (AP) His absence from the series against the Lions, with begins in Brisbane on Saturday 19 July, leaves Schmidt facing a decision at fly half with Lolesio seemingly primed to take the No 10 shirt. Ben Donaldson, who can also play at full-back, featured off the bench in the narrow win against Fiji, while 22-year-old Tom Lynagh - son of Wallabies legend Michael - is also part of Schmidt's squad, though is inexperienced. The Wallabies boss is set to update his squad ahead of the Lions series later this week.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Australia vs British & Irish Lions - Test series: Live score, team news and updates as Andy Farrell's men look to overpower the Wallabies in series opener
Just a month after the British and Irish Lions touched down in Australia the big day has finally arrived. Twelve years after the Lions last travelled Down Under, they return to the Suncorp Stadium this evening to get their 2025 Test series underway and will be keen to get off to a fast start against the Wallabies. Andy Farrell's side come up against a weakened Wallabies side, who will be without several key players, including fly-half Noah Lolesio, Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, all being ruled out with injuries. But the Lions boss is urging caution against the Wallabies, insisting his team are not getting 'overconfident'. 'There's no overconfidence at all,' he said ahead of the match. 'It's having an inner confidence within our group that we are going to go execute the plan when it matters.' He added: 'I haven't played against many Australian sides that are underdogs. I'm sure they'll want to prove a point in terms of that type of thing. 'If you're in a position where it comes down to this every 12 years and you get to pull the shirt on for the Wallabies and the privilege that goes with that, representing your country, they'll be fighting tooth and nail.' Stay with us, as we'll be bringing you live updates, commentary and analysis from the Suncorp Stadium here at Mail Sport.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Names on shirts, bums on seats
You can almost hear the Wallabies kit manager's sigh from here. Just as Nick Champion de Crespigny makes his debut, Australia are putting names on the back of their shirts for the first time on Saturday. This tour is the first time that the Lions have had names on the back of their shirts. Elsewhere, injured fly-half Noah Lolesio, ruled out of the series with a neck injury sustained in Australia's warm-up match against Fiji, has been into the Wallabies camp to wish his team-mates good luck. And, finally, the sold-out sign is up over the 52,500-capacity Suncorp Stadium for the first Test, with the late returns from UK tour operators have been snapped up by local fans in Brisbane. "It's amazing. It's one of the best stadiums in the world and to see it sold out is super exciting," Australia captain Harry Wilson said.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Names on shirts, bums on seats
You can almost hear the Wallabies kit manager's sigh from as Nick Champion de Crespigny makes his debut, Australia are putting names on the back of their shirts for the first time on Saturday. This tour is the first time that the Lions have had names on the back of their injured fly-half Noah Lolesio, ruled out of the series with a neck injury sustained in Australia's warm-up match against Fiji, has been into the Wallabies camp to wish his team-mates good luck. And, finally, the sold-out sign is up over the 52,500-capacity Suncorp Stadium for the first Test, with the late returns from UK tour operators have been snapped up by local fans in Brisbane., external"It's amazing. It's one of the best stadiums in the world and to see it sold out is super exciting," Australia captain Harry Wilson said.
