Overview

• The 68‑Test flyhalf departed for London to join Leicester Tigers and posted that he hopes for a "Bledisloe" return.
• Schmidt praised O'Connor's Rugby Championship contributions yet declined to commit, saying a call must be made quickly.
• Ben Donaldson has returned to training and Tom Lynagh is expected to be available, easing pressure at No.10 after Tane Edmed's first start.
• The squad is slated to be named this week and travel to Auckland on Monday for the September 27 Eden Park test, which also counts toward the Rugby Championship standings that Australia currently lead by one point.
• Current and former Wallabies, including Tate McDermott and Will Genia, voiced support for O'Connor as a late‑game option, as veteran scrumhalf Nic White confirmed his retirement.