James O’Connor set for Western Force return in team to play Brumbies

Wallabies veteran James O’Connor will wear Western Force colours for the first time since 2011 after being named on the bench for the second-round Super Rugby AUS clash with the ACT Brumbies at North Coast Sharks RUFC.

O’Connor was recently unveiled as a new signing for the Force, bolstering the lineup ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. ‘JOC’ has been selected among the replacements for the match on Sunday afternoon.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is unavailable after being called into Wallabies camp, as the only potential debutant to face the Springboks at Perth’s Optus Stadium 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 captained the Wallabies for the first time about one year ago, leading the side against Japan’s Brave Blossoms.

Champion de Crespigny joins Jack Daly and Jackson Iose in the backrow, while Will Haris and Zak Healey will pack down as the two locks. Former England international Nic Dolly will captain the side from hooker, joined up front by Robertson and Brad Kuhn.

In the backs, Beale will be joined in the halves by Nathan Hastie. Boston Fakafanua has been named at inside centre, while former NRL star Zac Lomax continues to hold onto the other starting spot in the midfield.

Ronan Leahy and former Australia Sevens ace Wallace Charlie will line up on the wings, with Force vice-captain Mac Grealy at fullback. O’Connor and Misinale Epenisa are among the players named on the bench.

Western Force to take on 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 Iose

9. Nathan Hastie

10. Kurtley Beale

11. Ronan Leahy

12. Boston Fakafanua

13. Zac Lomax

14. Wallace Charlie

15. Mac Grealy (vc)

Replacements

16. Albert Alcock, 17. Max Sawers, 18. Misinale Epenisa, 19. Tim Sail, 20. Seta Baker, 21. Luke Aiken, 22. James O’Connor, 23. Tama Anderson, 24. Kane Koteka, 25. Regin Pratt