Wallabies players have thrown their support behind James O’Connor having a longer-term role in the side as a late-game closer, starting with the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series. But despite Joe Schmidt conceding he otherwise has “three very inexperienced tens” in Tom Lynagh, Tane Edmed and Ben Donaldson, there is still major doubt about whether O’Connor will stay and play against the All Blacks after the coach informed the veteran last week he wasn’t needed. After a wobbly starting debut for Edmed, O’Connor turned in another influential performance coming off the bench for the Wallabies in Sydney, helping the side rally to within striking distance of a second straight victory at the death over the Pumas. It wasn’t enough to get a win but two losing bonus points, and the Boks’ win over New Zealand, saw the Wallabies rise to the top of the Rugby Championship ladder with two games against the All Blacks to come.