Super Rugby AUS moves into Round Two this weekend, with a host of stars set to return to the field.
The Western Force will unveil flyhalf James O’Connor, who is named on the bench as he returns to the club. Wallabies Tom Robertson and Nick Champion de Crespigny also feature in the Force side. They face the ACT Brumbies on Sunday in Butler, where the Brumbies welcome back Wallaby Nick Frost in the second row.
Earlier in the weekend, the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs travel to Roma for the ‘Santos Festival of Rugby’ on Saturday. The Reds have brought in former NRL star David Fusitu’a and former Wallaby Sefa Naivalu for the clash.
Reds bring in big names
Fusitu’a partners Josh Takai in the centres, reuniting the pair’s brotherly combination after a long-term injury to Josh Flook. Naivalu pulls on the maroon jersey for the first time since 2019.
Tom Lynagh retains the flyhalf berth as he continues his return from injury, while Matt Faessler captains the side.
Waratahs make changes up front
The Waratahs have included Australia U20 star Isaac Fonua and Tom Girle in 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.
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.
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.
Force welcome O’Connor back
James O’Connor makes his return to the Western Force, selected on the extended bench to face the ACT Brumbies. The Force also gain a Wallaby boost, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips called into the Wallabies squad. Kurtley Beale takes his spot in the starting side.
Forwards Nick Champion de Crespigny and Tom Robertson come into a settled line-up following their thrilling win over the Queensland Reds. Robertson returns from injury at loosehead prop, while one-time Wallabies skipper Champion de Crespigny is named at blindside flanker.
Brumbies recall Frost
For the Brumbies, Nick Frost is a major inclusion after missing last week’s defeat to the NSW Waratahs, starting at second row. It is one of two changes to the starting side, with Tavita Loughland taking a back-row spot in place of TJ Talaileva. Kadin Pritchard has been cleared from injury following his late withdrawal last week and is selected on the bench.
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.
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.