The Wallabies will utilize two 35-year-olds in the halves as they initiate their Rugby Championship campaign against the Springboks. This lineup reflects a focus on immediate performance amid a redemption arc following a disappointing World Cup exit. Coach Joe Schmidt's decisions, influenced by injuries, include retaining Nic White and recalling James O'Connor, who hasn't played for the Wallabies since 2022. The team aims to build on recent momentum after a notable series against the British and Irish Lions, while facing a challenging matchup in South Africa where victories have been elusive for over a decade.
The Wallabies will look to the past against the world champion Springboks by rolling out two 35-year-olds in the halves to open their campaign in the Rugby Championship.
Injuries in the halves have forced coach Joe Schmidt to first ask No 9 Nic White to delay his international retirement after the Lions series.
O'Connor will start for the first time since 2022, marking a significant comeback amid lineup changes due to injuries.
The Wallabies appear on the up after pushing the Lions and preventing a clean sweep in a memorable series that concluded two weeks ago.
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