Rugby-Wallabies flyhalf O'Connor hopes to return in mid May

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Wallabies flyhalf James O'Connor reckons he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee ligament injury and hopes to be back in action for the Queensland Reds by mid May.

The 31-year-old missed the last round of Super Rugby and had been expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks by the injury but now thinks he could be back to face the Auckland Blues in Auckland on May 14.

"It's all coming on nicely, jumped out of the brace yesterday to do some tracking and drilling and so on," he told reporters in Brisbane on Friday.

"Don't want to speak too early but possibly we're ahead of schedule, yeah. I'd love to be a part of the Blues but otherwise Moana (Pasifika) the week after."

O'Connor's speedy recovery will be good news for Australia coach Dave Rennie ahead of the blockbuster three-test series against England in July.

England blanked their hosts 3-0 on their last visit in 2016 and beat Australia 32-15 at Twickenham last November to extend their winning streak against the Wallabies to eight matches.

O'Connor said that would add spice to a series which already has plenty for historical reasons.

"We emigrated from there so automatically they take on the stance of big brother," he added.

"Last year's Spring Tour, they did a job on us so we want to rectify that. But, yeah, it'll be awesome to have them here."

The series opens in Perth before moving on to Brisbane for the second test at Lang Park, where Australia have won their last 10 matches.

"This is a fortress for Australian rugby," O'Connor said. "When we come together with the Wallabies, this is definitely our favourite stadium to play at.

"The air's a bit fresher in Queensland."

(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Stephen Coates)