“Adore him… but”: Horan discusses the potential pitfalls of recalling O’Connor

Wallabies legend Tim Horan has expressed his concerns that recalling James O’Connor to face the British and Irish Lions could be “fraught with danger.”

This week, Morgan Turinui proposed the idea following O’Connor’s impressive performances as a finisher for the Crusaders, who currently sit atop the Super Rugby Pacific standings.

Noah Lolesio from the Brumbies holds the Test number 10 position, while Ben Donaldson (Force) and Tom Lynagh (Reds) also bring Test experience to the table.

O’Connor, a close friend of Waratahs playmaker Lawson Creighton, whom he mentored during their time at the Reds, has been making waves in the rugby scene.

The 34-year-old has not played for the Wallabies since 2022, and his previous experience includes the 2013 Lions tour, which left him with some battle scars.

Horan, a two-time Rugby World Cup champion, remarked that selecting O’Connor from New Zealand might send a negative message to Australia’s emerging group of fly-halves.

“We have a wealth of talented number 10s coming through,” Horan shared on Stan Sport’s Inside Line.

“So picking James O’Connor for the squad could be risky. I admire him greatly as a player, he’s doing exceptionally well.

“However, we now have four rising 10s who deserve the chance to show their skills, whether that’s against the Lions representing their states or with the Wallabies.”

NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney, Morgan Turinui and Matt Burke analyse the controversial decisions in a Super Rugby Pacific classic.

Horan also believes that Lolesio will raise his performance level in the weeks to come.

“At this time last year, Noah was a standout,” he noted.

“He was a guaranteed pick at No.10. While he’s had a quieter season this year, I expect to see him ramp up his game as the Brumbies push for a spot in the top six. You’ll witness him stepping up a notch.”

Former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison, who leads Australia’s players association, commented that Test coach Joe Schmidt shouldn’t fret over O’Connor’s relocation to Christchurch.

“Everyone here is eager to see a winning Wallabies team,” he stated.

“The selection process should not be about nurturing someone for the 2027 World Cup. Regardless of their location or current situation, if a player is the best fit for the role and the team’s style of play, they should be included in the squad. If that player is James O’Connor, then he should be in.”

O’Connor possesses a New Zealand passport due to his parents and has quickly gained popularity among the Crusaders’ supporters.

On Thursday, NZ Rugby announced that O’Connor will be featured in a documentary called Next in Line, where he mentors three young playmakers at the Crusaders.

“I’ve found this experience incredibly refreshing – I’ve been challenged in new ways and developed a strong desire to keep competing at the elite level,” O’Connor stated.

“Collaborating, learning, and helping each other grow while still vying for the jersey week by week.”

The Crusaders are set to face the Blues this Friday night in Christchurch.