MELBOURNE :Flyhalf James O'Connor has been retained in Australia's squad for back-to-back Rugby Championship tests against New Zealand despite flying to England on Monday to join his new club Leicester.

O'Connor's inclusion denies Western Force playmaker Ben Donaldson a recall following his recovery from a thigh injury, with coach Joe Schmidt opting for Tom Lynagh and Tane Edmed as his other flyhalf options in the 34-man squad named on Thursday.

The roster also marks the return of Schmidt's preferred scrumhalf Jake Gordon, who missed the first four Rugby Championship tests after suffering a hamstring strain in training.

Gordon replaces Nic White, who had held off retiring following his teammate's injury to play against South Africa and Argentina.

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