Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has all but confirmed James O'Connor will make his international return during the Rugby Championship, ending a six-year absence from the national team.
O'Connor signed with Rugby Australia and the Reds last week after jetting to South Africa to join the Wallabies and could cap an astounding return to the fold as soon as Saturday when the Wallabies take on Argentina at Suncorp Stadium.
The 29-year-old had his contract torn up by the then-Australian Rugby Union administration in 2013 after multiple off-field breaches and seemed destined never to wear the gold jersey again.
But Cheika said the utility would not be with the team if he was not going to be given a chance to play and his playmaking skills are a valuable commodity for a side whose no.10 came under intense pressure in their opening Test last week.
"He's been with us and he's training really well - he's reintegrated really well and he wouldn't be with us if we didn't think we wanted to give him a chance at some stage," Cheika said of O'Connor.
"I suppose it's a question of when we decide to do that - whether it's this week or in the coming weeks."
The Wallabies opted for a single playmaker in flyhalf Bernard Foley in their opening Test against the Springboks on Saturday, with Samu Kerevi playing at inside centre and continuing the dominant form he showed throughout the Super Rugby season.
Cheika said that may continue, with selectors this week trying to find a balance between maintaining combinations and giving squad members a chance to show their worth ahead of the World Cup.
"We want to be ready for a bit of horses for courses," Cheika said.
"We've got to know what our team looks like going into the World Cup and maybe setting that up a little bit earlier, but we've also got to be able to mix and match depending on conditions, opposition etc.
"And you could be forced through injury to play in a certain way as well.
"We're looking to get what we can from these games, not only from our play but also being able to see how players perform in limited games but also have a few options up our sleeve in what we can do."
O'Connor can play multiple positions in the backline but could be an option at 12 as a second ballplayer, with Kerevi shuffled to outside centre.
"I think he can play multiple positions, so that gives him a plus without a doubt around where he can play in any side - whether it's as a finisher or in the starting team and then in the squad as a whole," Cheika said.
"So it gives him those opportunities to play different positions for us.
"I'm not going to nail down anything for him just yet. It's the first time I've ever coached him, so I'm still discovering what he can bring as well."
Selecting O'Connor this week would give him a softer start than pitching him straight into a Bledisloe encounter, although with 44 Test caps already to his credit he is no rookie.
The selectors have plenty of backline options and Kurtley Beale will be pushing for a starting spot this week given the influence he had on the game when he was injected in the second half.
Their options in the engine room are not as plentiful however, with James Slipper and Jordan Uelese under a cloud after both suffered head knocks in Johannesburg.
"Both the head knocks took the first step on their HIA protocols and both were feeling well after the match on Sunday morning, so we'll step through that again," Cheika said.
Scott Sio, who was among several injured players to head home early from South Africa, could be in contention this week.
"Some of those guys who left are rejoining us - Scott Sio and Christian Lealiifano - and some of the players that weren't injured (Jack Maddocks, Rob Valetini, Marika Koroibete) will rejoin us as well. We want to keep that squad together for this next couple of weeks.
"(Sio) came back and did some rehab work here and we're happy with the way that's going and we're hopeful he'll be available."
Adam Coleman (shoulder) has also joined the team in Brisbane, while Tatafu Polota-Nau has flown into camp after recovering from an ankle injury in the UK, although he remains a fortnight away from full fitness.
The Wallabies host the Pumas at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday July 27, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on Network Ten, Fox Sports, Kayo and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
