O’Connor did not feature in the Lions series, with Lynagh starting in all three Tests of Australia’s 2-1 series loss. Ben Donaldson was tipped to start for Australia this week, but O’Connor’s inclusion caps a remarkable return to international rugby after almost three years out. O’Connor’s Test career will now span 16 years and nine months after debuting as an 18-year-old in 2008. However, O’Connor hasn’t played any rugby since June 21 and only started once for the Crusaders this year in a loss to Moana Pasifika.