James O’Connor named for Queensland Reds debut against Highlanders in Dunedin

JAMES O’Connor will start at flyhalf for the Reds against the Highlanders in Dunedin with the on-again, off-again saga of his debut finally settled.

Reds coach Richard Graham and capt james Slipper

JAMES O’Connor will start at flyhalf for the Queensland Reds on Friday night against the Highlanders in Dunedin with the on-again, off-again saga of his debut finally settled.

The former Wallaby’s troublesome left knee checked out with specialist Doctor Peter Myers at the start of the week which cleared any niggling mental concern about the sturdiness of the joint.

O’Connor withdrew from last weekend’s match against the Western Force less than 30 minutes before kick-off when feeling unsure because he retweaked the ligament stepping on the foot of teammate Samu Kerevi at training two days earlier.

O’Connor will replace utility Nick Frisby in the starting line-up. Frisby shifts to the reserves bench following an impressive fill-in performance at flyhalf in the 18-6 win over the Western Force when halfback Will Genia steered the side expertly.

Anthony Faingaa returns from a serious cork above the knee suffered in the Reds’ pre-season match against the Crusaders at Ballymore three weeks ago.

Faingaa and Kerevi team-up in the centres which means shifting Chris Feauai-Sautia to the wing.

Dave McDuling will start at lock instead of the injured James Horwill (hand).

It is McDuling’s first starting assignment for the Reds and he will call the lineouts.

“While last week’s win was hugely important, this week is a new challenge and we have been heavily focused on ensuring we get the mindset right,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.

“We are chasing small improvements in our performances every week and the only way you’ll achieve that is by starting the process over at the beginning of each week.

“A short turnaround has meant an even sharper focus and need to get things spot on.

“I have made a number of changes — some forced, some tactical. Either way, we have said that ultimately it will be the squad we rely heavily on to get us results, not just a select group of individuals.

“Nick Frisby did a fantastic job for us last week after being thrown in at the last minute but James O’Connor was selected to start against the Force and deserves an opportunity. It has been a while coming but he has done everything for a number of weeks at training and is well prepared.”

James O'Connor at Queensland Reds training.

McDuling impressed as captain of Brisbane City in their run to the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship last year.

The former Sydney University forward headed to Brisbane for a break but two knee reconstructions ruined the 2012 and 2013 seasons for him.

Graham said he hoped former Highlanders favourite Adam Thomson would get a warm welcome back home.

“I can’t help but think Adam will get a wonderful reception wearing a red jersey. Maybe ‘The Zoo’ will be cheering for us a wee little bit this weekend. That’d be pretty cool wouldn’t it?” Graham joked.

Queensland Reds v Highlanders

REDS (1-15): James Slipper, Saia Fainga’a, Sam Talakai, Dave McDuling, Marco Kotze, Adam Thomson, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, James O’Connor, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Anthony Fainga’a, Samu Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani, Lachie Turner.

Reserves: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Tom Murday, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Sam Johnson, Campbell Magnay.

Originally published as James O’Connor named for Queensland Reds debut against Highlanders in Dunedin