James O’Connor aims to help Crusaders end Queensland’s unbeaten start to Super Rugby Pacific season

James O’Connor has been happy to share Queensland Reds secrets with his new Crusaders teammates.

Former Reds star James O’Connor won’t let sentiment get in the way of his task of dismantling Queensland in his finishing role for the Crusaders on Sunday in Christchurch.

The experienced flyhalf parted ways with the Reds in September last year before shocking the rugby fraternity a month later by joining the Crusaders.

“Everyone’s been so inclusive and I can’t speak more highly of the (Crusaders) players,” O’Connor said.

“I’ve just really enjoyed it, so now I just want to deliver footy-wise and give back in that way.”

That includes masterminding a Crusaders win over the Reds, who are chasing a third successive victory in what has been an unbeaten start to their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

James O'Connor lines up a kick for the Crusaders. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

“Knowing each of the (Queensland) guys quite well, there’s been a fair bit of information shared – put it that way,” the veteran of 64 appearances for the Wallabies said.

“I feel like as a group, they’re moving forward, they’re growing their game, (and) there’s even more in them as a team, but I’ll be doing everything with my new team to pull them apart in whatever way I can help.

“I’m just genuinely looking forward to the contest because they’re coming off two good wins and a good (pre-season) tour (to the UK).

“Any time when I was playing for an Australian outfit coming to Christchurch, you always knew it was going to be a tough game, so they’ll be expecting the same thing … but they’ll be full of confidence and they’ll be coming here to do a job.”

O’Connor’s on-field influence is set to come late in the match after he was named on the Crusaders bench.

Your Queensland Reds to face the Crusaders in Christchurch this Sunday! Thanks to BMS Group

📅 Sunday, March 9
🏟️ Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
🆚 Crusaders
📺 Stan Sport#RugbyRunsRedhttps://t.co/se3P9yKqoVpic.twitter.com/g45NSZLwOD

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) March 5, 2025

“I’ve still got to get on the field … (but) it’s been quite a reflective week,” he said.

“I’ve been focusing on my team’s game and my game and how I can improve and play better for my group.

“We want this one bad. We want to defend our home.”

O’Connor was pleased Crusaders fans had warmed to him after “mixed reviews” when he first arrived in Christchurch.

“It was like ‘do we really want an Aussie over here?’ Well, I’ve got Kiwi parents and I’m just enjoying the challenge. I’m enjoying the culture,” he said.

Originally published as James O’Connor aims to help Crusaders end Queensland’s unbeaten start to Super Rugby Pacific season