Super Rugby AUS continues into Round Two this weekend, with several high-profile stars returning to action, including Western Force flyhalf James O’Connor, who makes his return to the club on the extended bench.
Western Force vs ACT Brumbies
The Western Force host the ACT Brumbies on Sunday in Butler. O’Connor is selected on the extended bench, and the Force also welcome back Wallabies Tom Robertson and Nick Champion de Crespigny, who both feature in a settled line-up following their win over the Queensland Reds.
Robertson returns from injury at loosehead prop. Champion de Crespigny, a former Wallabies captain, is named at blindside flanker. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been called into the Wallabies squad, which opens the door for Kurtley Beale to take his spot in the starting side.
For the Brumbies, Nick Frost is a major inclusion after missing last week’s defeat to the NSW Waratahs. He starts at second row. Tavita Loughland comes into the back row to replace TJ Talaileva, one of two changes to the starting side. Kadin Pritchard has been cleared from injury after his late withdrawal last week and is named on the bench.
The Force starting side features 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 and Mac Grealy. The Brumbies start 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 and Triston Reilly.
Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs
Before that, the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs meet in Roma on Saturday for the Santos Festival of Rugby. The Reds have drafted in former NRL star David Fusitu’a and former Wallaby Sefa Naivalu for the clash. Naivalu pulls on the maroon jersey for the first time since 2019.
Fusitu’a partners Josh Takai in the centres, reuniting their brotherly combination after a long-term injury to Josh Flook. 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 duties. Wallaby Luke Reimer makes his club debut from the bench, alongside Australia U20 stars Charlie Bird and Tyler Maybery.
The Reds run out with 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 and Will McCulloch. The Waratahs start 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 and Sid Harvey.