Veteran James O'Connor called up for Wallabies against Lions

Veteran playmaker James O'Connor was included on Friday in Australia's squad to face the British and Irish Lions, adding a wealth of experience to a Wallabies side with a mountain to climb.

The 35-year-old started all three tests at fly-half when Australia last hosted the Lions in 2013, but he has not played for his country in almost three years.

He joins prop James Slipper in a 36-man squad for three tests starting on 19 July in Brisbane as the only two players to have faced the combined might of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland before.

O'Connor was a revelation for the Crusaders in their charge to the Super Rugby title this season after a move from the Reds.

But he was overlooked by Australia coach Joe Schmidt for their warm-up test against Fiji this month, where a ragged team narrowly avoided a morale-sapping loss.

First-choice flyhalf Noah Lolesio was injured in the match and needed neck surgery, which has ruled him out of the three-test series.

That opened the door to the versatile O'Connor.

"I had a few conversations with James during the year," Schmidt said of O'Connor.

"He had a good, Super season for the Crusaders. He stayed close, he stayed connected the whole way through (with the Wallabies). He can potentially help the players, particularly our young 10s."

WALLABIES SQUAD

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson

Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright