Super Rugby AUS continues into Round Two this weekend, with several high-profile players returning to action. The Western Force will unveil James O’Connor, who returns to the club as a flyhalf and is named on the extended bench to face the ACT Brumbies.
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs
The Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs meet first, travelling to Roma for the ‘Santos Festival of Rugby’ on Saturday. The Reds have drafted in former NRL star David Fusitu’a, a former New Zealand Warriors flyer, and former Wallaby Sefa Naivalu for the clash.
Fusitu’a partners Josh Takai in the centres, forming a combination that returns 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, while Matt Faessler captains the side. The Reds’ starting XV includes George Blake, Nick Bloomfield, Will Ross, Charlie Brosnan, Tom Robinson, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Mosiah Christian, Tim Ryan and Will McCulloch. Ben Volavola and Kenneth Harris are among the replacements.
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. Eamon Doyle captains the Waratahs, who also field Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Edwin Langi, Marshall Le Maitre, Teddy Wilson, Otto Serfontein and Sid Harvey in their starting XV.
Western Force v ACT Brumbies
The Western Force host the ACT Brumbies in Butler on Sunday. O’Connor’s return comes as Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is called into the Wallabies squad, opening the way for Kurtley Beale to take his place in the starting side.
Forwards Nick Champion de Crespigny and Tom Robertson also come into a settled line-up following the Force’s thrilling win over the Queensland Reds. Robertson returns from injury at loosehead prop, while one-time Wallabies captain Champion de Crespigny is named at blindside flanker. Nic Dolly captains the Force, with Brad Kuhn, Will Harris, Zak Healey, Jack Daly, Jackson Iose and Nathan Hastie also named in the starting XV.
For the Brumbies, Nick Frost is a major inclusion after missing last week’s defeat to the NSW Waratahs. He starts in the second row. It is one of two changes to the starting side, with Tavita Loughland named in the back row to replace TJ Talaileva. Kadin Pritchard has been cleared from injury after his late withdrawal last week and is selected on the bench. Toby Macpherson captains the Brumbies, who also name Lington Ieli, Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Oscar Cleary, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed and Ollie Sapsford in their starting XV.