‘I'd prefer to beat these guys': Why Larkham is backing O'Connor to take on Lions

Sydney Morning Herald

2 days ago

Brumbies coach and former Wallabies great Stephen Larkham says while investing in long term Australian five-eighths to replace the injured Noah Lolesio is understandable, veteran James O'Connor is a player who could help win a Test series right now.
Larkham's Brumbies gave the British and Lions their toughest game so far in Australia on Wednesday night, going down by 12 points largely due to the control and vision of the Lions' world-class playmaker Finn Russell.
Larkham got to watch Russell in action up close and understands the Wallabies need to carefully consider their options for a playmaker who can match the Scotland five-eighth. O'Connor is training in Brisbane and could provide the answer.
'The British and Irish Lions comes around every 12 years, and you certainly want to have your best team on the field to win,' Larkham said.
'I think our guys in Super Rugby have been playing well. You've got Tom Lynagh, you've got Ben Donaldson, you've got Tane Edmed ... you've got guys around Australia who have been performing in Super Rugby.
'You've got James O'Connor, who was over with the Crusaders, and he was performing over there – there's options there ... Part of me would like to see development for the future in that space, but equally, I'd prefer to beat these guys [the Lions].'
Larkham has been in close contact with Lolesio after the Wallabies five-eighth had successful neck surgery. Lolesio will now take time away from rugby to recuperate before a planned move to Japan.
Given Larkham's wealth of playing experience for the Brumbies and Australia at five-eighth, the Brumbies coach says he would consider taking some of the defensive pressure of Lolesio, given his history of injury, including leaving the field in a neck brace twice this season: once for the Wallabies against Fiji on Sunday and against the Force in May with the Brumbies.