James O'Connor left out of Joe Schmidt's pre-Lions Wallabies squad 

Head coach Joe Schmidt during an Australia Rugby training session. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

James O'Connor is set to miss out on facing the British and Irish Lions after being left out of the Australia squad to face Fiji.

The 34-year-old fly-half had been tipped to return to Joe Schmidt's squad for the Lions series, which begins on July 19 in Brisbane.

Schmidt has preferred Ben Donaldson, Noah Lolesio and Tom Lynagh as his options at number 10 for the warm-up Test against Fiji on July 6.

Western Force back-row forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole are the only two uncapped players in the 36-man squad, while Joseph Suaalii is fit enough to return to the squad.

David Porecki returns for the first time since captaining the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup, while another former skipper, La Rochelle's Will Skelton, is the only overseas-based player included.

Schmidt said: "Selection is always tight and there'll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed.

"As coaches, there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we've selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad.

"There's some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players, who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific.

"This squad's immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January."

Australia squad:

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

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, 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, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.

PA