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Super Rugby AUS: James O’Connor set for first Western Force game in 15 years after being named on bench

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Ben SmithThe West Australian
James O'Connor will play his first Force game in 15 years on Sunday.
Camera IconJames O'Connor will play his first Force game in 15 years on Sunday. Credit: Sandra Jackson/The West Australian

James O’Connor is set to play his first Western Force game in 15 years on Sunday after he was named on the bench for his side’s Super Rugby AUS clash with the Brumbies.

And the Wallabies great is not the only big name elevated into the starting line-up for Force, with fellow veteran Kurtley Beale named at fly-half and Test-capped forwards Tom Robertson and Nick Champion de Crespigny also named in the starting 15.

O’Connor has not played competitive rugby since Leicester Tigers’ final game of the Premiership season in early June, but is set to feature off the bench in Force’s only home game of the four-week competition.

The 36 year-old’s last game for Force came back in 2011 before his departure for Melbourne Rebels and now the Wallabies veteran’s return to the professional club where it all began will take place at North Coast Sharks Rugby Club in Butler, where his side host the Brumbies on Sunday.

After Harry McLaughlin-Phillips received a Wallabies call-up after steering Force to a comeback win over Queensland Reds in their opening Super Rugby AUS game on the weekend, Beale will start at fly-half.

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Prop Robertson will make his long-awaited return from a calf injury which has sidelined him since May and joins captain Nic Dolly and Brad Kuhn in a strong front row.

Reigning Force Rising Star winner Misinale Epenisa will also spell Kuhn at tighthead from the bench, while Champion de Crespigny’s inclusion adds some bulk and experience to the back row.

The side is otherwise unchanged from the line-up who beat Queensland Reds 29-28, with vice-captain Will Harris once again lining up at lock, Nathan Hastie joining Beale in the halves and Zac Lomax continuing his midfield partnership with Boston Fakafanua.

Meanwhile, Ronan Leahy, sevens standout Wallace Charlie and Mac Grealy form an imposing back three.

Western Force squad vs Brumbies

September 20, 1.30pm, North Coast Sharks RUFC, Butler (free entry)

Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly (c), Brad Kuhn

Will Harris, Zak Healey

Nick Champion de Crespigny, Jackson Iose, Jack Daly

Nathan Hastie, Kurtley Beale

Boston Fakafanua, Zac Lomax

Ronan Leahy, Mac Grealy, Wallace Charlie

Replacements: Albert Alcock, Max Sawers, Misinale Epenisa, Tim Sail, Seta Baker, Luke Aiken, James O’Connor, Tama Anderson, Kane Koteka, Regin Pratt.

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