mens
super-rugby-pacific
Wallabies veteran James O’Connor will wear Western Force colors for the first time since 2011 after being named on the bench for the second round Super Rugby AUS clash with ACT Brumbies on the north coast Sharks RUFC.
O’Connor was recently unveiled as a new signing for the Force, bolstering the squad ahead of 2027. Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The ‘JOC’ was selected from among the substitutes for the game on Sunday afternoon.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is unavailable after being called up to the Wallabies camp, as the only potential debutant to face the Springboks at Optus Stadium in Perth this month. With ‘HMP’ out, Kurtley Beale comes into the run-on side at fly-half.
Wallabies Tom Robertson and Nick Champion de Crespigny also add invaluable experience to the starting five. Champion de Crespigny first captained the Wallabies about a year ago, leading the team against Japan’s Brave Blossoms.
Champion de Crespigni joins Jack Daly and Jackson Iose in the back line, while Will Harris and Zak Healey will pack in as the two locks. Ex England international Nic Dolly will captain the side who will be joined by Robertson and Brad Kuhn.
In the backs, Beale will be joined at fly-half by Nathan Hastie. Boston Fakafanua has been named at inside centre, while former NRL star Zac Lomax continues to hold his own in the second starting midfield spot.
Ronan Leahy and ex Australia Sevens ace Wallace Charlie will line up on the wings, with Force vice-captain Mac Grealy at full-back. O’Connor and Misinale Epenis are among the players named on the bench.
Western Force to take on the ACT Brumbies
1. Tom Robertson
2. Nic Dolly (c)
3. Brad Kuhn
4. Will Harris (vc)
5. Zak Healey
6. Nick Champion de Crespigny
7. Jack Daly
8. Jackson Lose
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Kurtley Beale
11. Ronan Leahy
12. Boston Poll
13. Zac Lomax
14. Wallace Charlie
15. Mac Grealy (vc)
Substitutions
16. Albert Alcock, 17. Max Sawers, 18. Misinale Epenis, 19. Tim Sail, 20. Seta Baker, 21. Luke Aiken, 22. James O’Connor, 23. Tama Anderson, 24. Kane Koteka, 25. Regin Pratt