Super Rugby AUS Round Two gets underway this weekend, with a host of stars returning to the field. The Western Force unveil flyhalf James O’Connor, who returns to the club on the extended bench for Sunday’s clash with the ACT Brumbies in Butler.
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 contest.
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs
Fusitu’a, a former New Zealand Warriors flyer, partners Josh Takai in the centres, reuniting the pair’s 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.
Queensland Reds (1-15): George Blake, Matt Faessler (c), Nick Bloomfield, Will Ross, Charlie Brosnan, Tom Robinson, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Mosiah Christian, Tom Lynagh, Sefa Naivalu, Josh Takai, David Fusitu’a, Tim Ryan, Will McCulloch.
Reds replacements: Zac Hough, Harrison Usher, Trevor King, Dom Thygesen, Vaiuta Latu, Cooper Stewart, Ben Volavola, Jake Pappin, Kenneth Harris, Alex Flanagan-Smith.
NSW Waratahs (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Edwin Langi, Eamon Doyle (c), Miles Amatosero, Tom Girle, Marshall Le Maitre, Isaac Fonua, Teddy Wilson, Max Burey, Freedom Vahaakaolo, George Poolman, Otto Serfontein, Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong, Sid Harvey.
Waratahs replacements: Tyler Maybery, Brady Dawson, Will Goddard, Joe Mangelsdorf, Angus Scott-Young, Luke Reimer, Angus Grover, Joe Dillon, Charlie Bird, Nick Chan.
Western Force v ACT Brumbies
O’Connor makes his return to the Force on the extended bench. The Force also welcome back Wallaby Kurtley Beale, who takes the starting spot vacated by Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, called into the Wallabies squad.
Tom Robertson returns from injury at loosehead prop, while one-time Wallabies skipper Nick Champion de Crespigny is named at blindside flanker. Both come into a settled line-up following their thrilling win over the Queensland Reds.
For the Brumbies, Nick Frost returns to the second row after missing last week’s defeat to the NSW Waratahs. Tavita Loughland starts in the back row in place of TJ Talaileva, one of two changes to the starting side. Kadin Pritchard has been cleared from injury following his late withdrawal last week and is selected on the bench.
Western Force (1-15): Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly (c), Brad Kuhn, Will Harris, Zak Healey, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Jack Daly, Jackson Iose, Nathan Hastie, Kurtley Beale, Ronan Leahy, Boston Fakafanua, Zac Lomax, Wallace Charlie, Mac Grealy.
Force replacements: Albert Alcock, Max Sawers, Misinale Epenisa, Tim Sail, Seta Baker, Luke Aiken, James O’Connor, Tama Anderson, Kane Koteka, Regin Pratt.
ACT Brumbies (1-15): Lington Ieli, Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson (c), Tavita Loughland, Eli Langi, Oscar Cleary, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Jarrah McLeod, Ollie Sapsford, Triston Reilly.
Brumbies replacements: Ewald Kruger, Finn Baxter, Darcy Breen, Tu’ukalikali Vaihu, Darcy Fogerty, Dan Nelson, Oscar Shaw, Dylan Bretton, Kadin Pritchard, Chace Oates.