James O'Connor's rise from unwanted by Australian Super Rugby clubs to a Wallabies No.10 has been described as one of the great stories as the side eyes off success in Cape Town.
O'Connor was called up to play five-eighth for the Wallabies and despite a shaky start, was instrumental in breaking the 62-year Ellis Park hoodoo.
The Johannesburg fixture was O'Connor's first Test since 2022 after Tom Lynagh was ruled out of the Rugby Championship tour.
O'Connor wasn't given a new contract by the Queensland Reds before the last Super Rugby season but signed with the Crusaders and was part of a championship campaign.
O'Connor made his debut for the Wallabies at 18 after bursting onto the scene with the Western Force.
In June 2009, he scored three tries against Italy before winning rookie of the year for the Wallabies.
But a number of off-field indiscretions marred the start of O'Connor's career with a move overseas forced in 2013.
The Wallabies will play South Africa at 3.10am Sunday while the All Blacks face Argentina at 9.10am Sunday.
