James O'Connor and David Pocock to link-up with Australia squad

Fly-half James O'Connor has been handed a Wallabies lifeline as he will train with the Australian squad ahead of their Rugby Championship opening game against South Africa in Johannesburg.

According to a report in Rugby Australia’s official website, the 29-year-old could also be heading with the squad to South Africa as a cover for Marika Koroibete, who stayed in Melbourne as he and his wife are expecting their second child.

O'Connor last played for Australia in 2013 and could not add to his 44 Test caps ever since he moved to London Irish in 2013 and Sale Sharks in 2017.

“Marika (Koroibete) should join us later in the week, but mother nature is in charge here, so until then it’s a good opportunity for James to integrate into the team playing principles,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.

Apart from O'Connor, David Pocock, who is currently recovering from a calf injury will also link up with the squad to continue his rehabilitation.

“For David, we really want to do some specific rehab work with him and it’s just better to have him with us at this stage to ensure we get his return to play exactly right,” said Cheika.

Following the game against South Africa, Australia will take on Argentina and New Zealand in a shortened Rugby Championship tournament that will be played between 21st July and 10th August.