Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is set to pull a major surprise by selecting James O’Connor at No.10 for Australia’s opening Rugby Championship clash against South Africa in Johannesburg.

O’Connor has not played a Test in nearly three years but is poised to wear the five-eighth jersey against the Springboks, according to informed sources speaking on the condition of anonymity as they did not have permission to discuss team selections.

With Noah Lolesio injured and Tom Lynagh out with a concussion, O’Connor will feature in his first international match since starting in the Wallabies’ 48-17 loss to Argentina in 2022 in San Juan.

O’Connor, who had a strong season for the Crusaders, mostly off the bench, was initially on the outer with Schmidt but found himself parachuted into Australia’s squad for the Lions series after Lolesio went down with a neck injury.

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.

The Wallabies will announce their team on Thursday.

More to come