By Iain Payten,Tom Decent

Copyright theage

Having originally planned to relocate with his wife Bridget and their dog this week, O’Connor booked flights for Monday night. However, O’Connor said he was prepared to change the plans and stay, and Leicester coach Geoff Parling had approved that change, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

But Schmidt informed O’Connor last week, and again at the weekend after the Wallabies lost to the Pumas, that he would call him back from England if needed.

Based on the vast distances and travel logistics involved, the likelihood of O’Connor being selected to play at Eden Park on September 27 now appear slim.

The Wallabies squad is due to gather in Sydney before flying to Auckland on Sunday for the week.