James O’Connor named as Western Force chase Super Rugby AUS title

James O’Connor is among a host of internationally experienced players who are set to suit up for the Western Force in the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final in Perth, as the home side looks to go one better after last season’s decider.

O’Connor has been named on the bench for the Force, joined in the 25-man matchday squad by capped Wallabies Tom Robertson, Kurtley Beale and Dylan Pietsch. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips was selected in the most recent Wallabies squad but remains an uncapped prospect.

HSBC SVNS Series stars Aden Ekanyake and Wallace Charlie will also look to make their mark, as will Australia A representative Mac Grealy. One-Test England international Nic Dolly will lead the side in the final, which will be played at Scotch College Playing Fields on Saturday.

Robertson joins Dolly and Misinale Epenisa up front, while Zak Healey and Will Harris round out the tight five as the two locks. Kane Koteka and Jack Daly will pack down on either side of the scrum as the two flankers, while Jackson Iose wears the No. 8 jersey.

Nathan Hsatie will partner McLaughlin-Phillips in the halves, while Beale shifts to inside centre. The 95-Test Wallaby joins Boston Fakafanua in the midfield, with Charlie, Pietsch and Grealy making up the back three.

Entry for the Grand Final is free.

Western Force team for Super Rugby AUS Grand Final

1. Tom Robertson

2. Nic Dolly (c)

3. Misinale Epenisa

4. Zak Healey

5. Will Harris (vc)

6. Kane Koteka

7. Jack Daly

8. Jackson Iose

9. Nathan Hastie

10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips

11. Wallace Charlie

12. Kurtley Beale

13. Boston Fakafanua

14. Dylan Pietsch

15. Mac Grealy (vc)

Replacements

16. Albert Alcock, 17. Max Sawers, 18. Brad Kuhn, 19. Regin Pratt, 20. Aden Ekanayake, 21. Ronan Leahy, 22. Nate Gallagher, 23. Tim Sail, 24. Luke Aiken, 25. James O’Connor