Wallabies call O'Connor for Lions battle

Veteran playmaker James O'Connor was included yesterday in Australia’s squad to face the British and Irish Lions, adding a wealth of experience to a Wallabies side with a mountain to climb.

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The 35-year-old started all three Tests at fly-half when Australia last hosted the tourists in 2013, but he has not played for his country in almost three years.

He joins prop James Slipper in a 36-man squad for three Tests starting on July 19 in Brisbane as the only men to have faced the combined might of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland before.

Experienced scrumhalf Nic White was also named, having missed out on Wallabies selection in 2013.

“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,” said coach Joe Schmidt.

“We need to improve our accuracy and cohesion with a very short runway leading up to the first Test in eight days.”