James O’Connor wasn’t answering his phone calls, and the Wallabies squad for the British & Irish Lions series was to be announced in an hour. As Australia’s coach dialled the number again from the team’s hotel lobby, he received a tap on the shoulder from James Slipper. “The bloke you’re after is outside,” Slipper revealed.

Veteran playmaker James O’Connor has answered Australia ’s fly half SOS ahead of the British and Irish Lions series, with the 35-year-old given a shock Wallabies recall. O’Connor returns to Joe Schmidt ’s squad for the three Tests against the tourists after the hosts lost first-choice No 10 Noah Lolesio to injury in their win over Fiji last week.

James O'Connor has returned to a Wallabies squad almost three years after his last test when the veteran flyhalf was included to face the British and Irish Lions in the first test on July 19 in Brisbane.