Super Rugby AUS Round Two brings a host of stars back into action this weekend, led by the return of flyhalf James O’Connor to the Western Force, who is named on the extended bench to face the ACT Brumbies.
The Force take on the Brumbies on Sunday in Butler. Wallabies Tom Robertson and Nick Champion de Crespigny also feature in the Force lineup, while the Brumbies welcome back Wallaby Nick Frost to the second row.
Reds and Waratahs Head to Roma
Before that, the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs travel to Roma for the Santos Festival of Rugby on Saturday. The Reds have drafted in former NRL star David Fusitu’a and former Wallaby Sefa Naivalu for the clash.
Fusitu’a partners Josh Takai in the centres, reuniting their brothers’ combination after a long-term injury to Josh Flook. Naivalu pulls on the maroon jersey for the first time since 2019. Tom Lynagh remains at flyhalf as he continues his return from injury, and Matt Faessler captains the side.
The Waratahs have called Australia U20 star Isaac Fonua and Tom Girle into their pack. Fonua replaces the injured Pete Samu, while Girle comes in for Justice Taumoepeau, who is on Australia U18 duty. Wallaby Luke Reimer makes his club debut from the bench, alongside Australia U20 stars Charlie Bird and Tyler Maybery.
Force Welcome Back O’Connor
O’Connor will make his return to the Western Force on the extended bench. He comes in as Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is called into the Wallabies squad, with Kurtley Beale taking over his spot in the starting side.
Robertson returns from injury at loosehead prop, while Champion de Crespigny, a former Wallabies captain, is named at blindside flanker. Both come into a settled lineup following the Force’s thrilling win over the Queensland Reds.
For the Brumbies, Frost starts at second row after missing last week’s defeat to the NSW Waratahs. Tavita Loughland replaces TJ Talaileva in the back row, one of two changes to the starting side. Kadin Pritchard has been cleared from injury after his late withdrawal last week and is selected on the bench.