James O’Connor’s international rugby career has been given an unexpected new chapter, with the 35-year-old playmaker named to start for Australia against South Africa on Saturday in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.

O’Connor, who last donned Wallabies gold three years ago, replaces the concussed Tom Lynagh in the only change to the starting XV that defeated the British and Irish Lions 22-12 in Sydney earlier this month. The veteran’s recall caps a stellar season in which he helped New Zealand powerhouse Crusaders to a Super Rugby title.

Lynagh was forced off before halftime in the Lions series finale — a match Australia lost to concede the series 2-1 — with Ben Donaldson taking his place. Donaldson had been tipped to retain the No. 10 jersey, but he was left out of the matchday 23 altogether by head coach Joe Schmidt.

O’Connor will link up at half-back with another seasoned campaigner, Nic White, who reversed his retirement decision after Jake Gordon was sidelined by injury. White’s experience, coupled with O’Connor’s tactical nous, gives Australia one of the most battle-hardened playmaking combinations in recent years.

There is a solitary change to the bench, with loose forward Nick Champion de Crespigny coming in for Donaldson. The shift to a six-two forwards-to-backs split in the replacements hints at a physical forward battle to come — a move that could prompt Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus to match Australia’s extra muscle. Erasmus has hinted at dropping utility back Canan Moodie in favour of an additional forward, possibly lock RG Snyman.

Schmidt said the squad had adapted well to the challenge of playing at altitude and in a different time zone.

“The group has had a good week of preparation,” Schmidt said Thursday. “There are not many bigger Tests than playing South Africa on their home turf, and we know we are going to need to be at our best on Saturday night.”

Australia enter the clash seeking to end a four-match losing streak against the Springboks, who have lifted the Rugby World Cup a record four times. The Wallabies have not tasted victory at Ellis Park since their only win there in 1963, losing 10 of 11 Tests at the iconic venue.

South Africa have won the Rugby Championship twice since its 2012 inception, while Australia’s lone title came in 2015. This year’s tournament opens with the Wallabies’ visit to Johannesburg before the sides meet again in Cape Town on Aug. 23. The other first-round fixture sees Argentina host New Zealand in Córdoba later on Saturday.

Wallabies Line-Up 

15. Tom Wright, 14. Max Jorgensen, 13. Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, 12. Len Ikitau, 11. Dylan Pietsch, 10. James O’Connor, 9. Nic White; 8. Harry Wilson (capt), 7. Fraser McReight, 6. Tom Hooper; 5. Will Skelton, 4. Nick Frost, 3. Taniela Tupou, 2. Billy Pollard, 1. James Slipper.

Replacements: 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Jeremy Williams, 20. Langi Gleeson, 21. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 22. Tate McDermott, 23. Andrew Kellaway.

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