James O’Connor has been named at five-eighth in his debut for the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby clash against the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
Star recruit O’Connor takes over at No.10 from code-hopper Karmichael Hunt who shifts to fullback after the Reds’ thumping loss to the Brumbies last weekend.
Reds coach Richard Graham was pleased both players would be making an appearance, after the side was hit hard by injuries in the pre-season.
“I have been talking for a while now about James and Adam making their debuts for the Reds. With some certainty I can finally say after a good week’s preparation that both of the boys will start this weekend,” Graham said.
“Adam has only been with the group now two weeks but has fitted in superbly. As a leader and a footballer he has been able to contribute positively to what we are doing.
“James will wear the Number 10 jersey. He has spent the last two weeks training fully with the team and looks settled. He is motivated to help the team around the field and allow the side to find their attacking framework. Karmichael and he will split the role on some first phase and phase attack.
“We have handed out a few debuts in the early rounds. Whilst James and Adam have played Test Rugby, both are enthused by the privilege that comes with wearing the Reds jersey.
“At the other extreme, Tom Murday is making his Super Rugby debut turning 26 later this year. He has put in a lot of hard yards and travelled across the Tasman (playing ITM) to earn this opportunity. The playing group are excited for him and he will enjoy the occasion Saturday night.
“The Force played well last weekend. They were strong defensively and controlled field position well. We know that physicality will play a big part in this match.”
“It is great to be back in Brisbane and playing in front of our own supporters at Suncorp Stadium. Last weekend was a poor performance, the group recognise that and they are determined to deliver a strong performance on Saturday.
“Our focus this week has been mainly around getting our set piece and defence right. The game usually flows on the back of controlling the collision zone and they start with those two areas.”
Reds team to play Western Force
1 James Slipper (C)
2 Saia Fainga’a
3 Sam Talakai
4 Marco Kotze
5 James Horwill
6 Adam Thomson (Reds debut)
7 Liam Gill
8 Jake Schatz
9 Will Genia
10 James O’Connor (Reds debut)
11 Lachie Turner
12 Samu Kerevi
13 Chris Feauai-Sautia
14 Chris Kuridrani
15 Karmichael Hunt (VC)
16 James Hanson
17 Ben Daley
18 Sef Faagase
19 Tom Murday (Potential Super Rugby debut)
20 Curtis Browning
21 Nick Frisby
22 Sam Johnson
23 Campbell Magnay
With AAP
sheek
Roar Guru
FOS, I understand & perhaps you have a point. But I also think it was worth persevering with Hunt, because it would have helped him adapt much quicker, I think.
sheek
Roar Guru
Jutsie, 3 games + pressure cooker + Lions series + no idea = plenty of evidence to make a judgment. You can excuse JOC's inexperience & mistakes, but he just had no idea, no intuitive feel for the position. He is NOT a flyhallf. That's the reality. But hey, I've been wrong twice or thrice! I saw nothing in his play in 2013 that suggests he has a future at no.10. His best position is elsewhere.
goTheTahs
Guest
So as an Australian you would have preferred the Crusadors to the title rather than Tahs? I support the Tahs but was cheering for the reds and was happy for them when they won their title.
goTheTahs
Guest
So just to clarify Hawkeye - Genia was using the ref as a shield?
formeropenside
Guest
Trust me Chivas, they are all that good, you just cant understand some of them.
RobC
Roar Guru
I think with Ant F, its a week to week thing I dont really care who the ten is, at this point. What important is how the packs combine in the rucks, and how the backs defend. There's only one way through the Force. Right through the middle. Stiles and his no frills City tactics proved this last year. KISS - Keep It Simple & Strong
RobC
Roar Guru
I think with Ant F, its a week to week thing I dont really care who the ten is, at this point. What important is how the packs combine in the rucks, and how the backs defend. There's only one way through the Force. Right through the middle. Stiles and his no frills City tactics proved this last year. As
RobC
Roar Guru
Well now this is interesting How many James and Jims are there in Reds and QRU? Same for Carmichael / Karmichael?
Hawkeye says
Guest
Since he stopped using the ref as a shepherd his production has declined. He needs to be a dirty little halvie again. Every halvie has their way, his was using the ref as a shield.
Brian USA
Guest
Can I NOICE your NOICE?
Hawkeye says
Guest
You need a Kiwi to lead. Genia only knows how to whinge, like his old mate Horwill who is King of having a whinge.
Brian USA
Guest
Look, I'm no huge fan of JOC, but the kid can play rugby with the best of them. Lion's tour showed that he isn't a great 10 at the test level. But at the SR level, he can certainly be more than serviceable. It is tough to read the comments section on this site some times because it seems most Aussie commenters form opinions on a player based on off field stuff. QC, JOC and Beale are talented players who 90% of the world would love to have in their arsenal. But because of off field indiscretions Aussies write them off.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Good, so stop acting like a 12yr old girl so you don't scare him off again.
Adsa
Guest
In the NRC final Spirits scrum was schooled by Cities scrum, Pek Cowan struggled against the Brisbane scrum, can't see Force dominating the scrum.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Don't you know miracles happen when you shift a guy from the side of the scrum to the back of it?
Chivas
Guest
Geez FOS, sometimes you catch me by surprise with your clarity of thought and grasp of logic... other times you leave me bewildered at the Australian education system. Well stated...
soapit
Guest
i dont think mccabe ever left anyone in much doubt who to commit to tho.
Digs
Roar Rookie
Look I understand that Graham is a far more experienced player and coach than I ever will be, so why do I have the burning desire to stand next to him and scream at the top of my lungs "it's the breakdown stupid!". Anyway, let's hope the set piece improves this week
Chivas
Guest
Still probably better than K Hubt at this stage of their respective careers
Don
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the info about Jake McIntyre Scott. Now I understand why he isn't in the mix. Good to see you back.