O’Connor, 35, hasn’t played for the Wallabies since 2022 but has been called in as a replacement for Noah Lolesio who has been ruled out of three three-Test series after suffering a neck injury in last Sunday’s win over Fiji. Record-setting Wallabies prop, James Slipper, the most-capped player in Australian rugby, will also have the chance to take on the Lions a second time having played against the tourists with O’Connor the last time they visited Australia in 2013. It marks a significant return for O’Connor in particular, who left the Queensland Reds to play for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, playing a pivotal role in their title run, and putting himself firmly on Schmidt’s radar. Apart from O’Connor, Queensland Reds lock Josh Canham is the only other player added to the squad that was named last month before last weekend’s Test win over Fiji. Prop Taniela Tupou has kept his place in the squad despite some up and down form for NSW this season. “As Wallabies coaches, we have tried to balance continuity with form and freshness, but there were some very tight calls,” Wallabies coach Joe 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 here (in Brisbane) in eight days. We are excited by what’s to come.” Brumbies winger Corey Toole and Western Force back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny are the only two uncapped players named in the squad. Wallabies: (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, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.