Queensland Reds lose star flyhalf James O’Connor for up to six weeks with a knee injury

It was the injury the Queensland Reds didn’t need as they embark on the challenge of toppling New Zealand teams in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific title hopes have suffered a crushing blow, with star flyhalf James O’Connor ruled out for up to six weeks with a knee injury.

O’Connor suffered a lateral collateral ligament injury to his knee in the 67th minute of the Reds’ 36-32 win over the Rebels at AAMI Park last Friday night, when his clearing kick was charged down by Andrew Kellaway, who made contact with O’Connor’s knee.

The Wallabies star finished the match, and while no surgery is required, he is set to miss four to six weeks of action.

“It’s disappointing,” Reds skipper Tate McDermott said.

“James was in some really good form. He’ll be a big loss.”

O’Connor isn’t the only influential Queensland player to be ruled out of Saturday night’s Super Round clash against the Hurricanes in Melbourne.

Electrifying fullback Jordan Petaia will also be sidelined after injuring his hamstring against the Rebels.

Petaia suffered a low-grade hamstring strain when he slipped on the AAMI Park turf.

However, he is only expected to miss one match, with his absence this week understood to be more of a precautionary measure.

James O'Connor will be sidelined for up to six weeks. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Replacing Petaia in the No.15 jersey is Jock Campbell, who is returning from a hand injury.

O’Connor’s replacement is Lawson Creighton, who will start a Super Rugby match for the first time after coming off the bench when Petaia was forced off against the Rebels.

“It’s a shot for someone like Lawson Creighton, who hasn’t had too much of a run. He himself has had a pretty bad run with injuries, and I’m just really proud with how far he’s come,” halfback McDermott said.

“He’s always working hard to try to perfect his craft. I’m really keen to partner with him in the halves and we’ll do our best to steer the team around.”

McDermott was also “gutted” for Petaia, but said Campbell would bring a “cool, calm and collected” presence to the Queensland team.

In two other changes to the Reds’ starting 15, props Taniela Tupou and Harry Hoopert have been recalled, replacing Feao Fotuaika, who has been dropped to the bench, and Zane Nonggorr, who has missed selection in the 23-man squad.

The Reds have started the season well, with seven wins from eight matches, but will need to improve to beat teams from the New Zealand section of the competition.

“It’s a massive step up,” McDermott said.

“In attack, we’ve got to hold the ball for longer periods of time, and not give them as many opportunities. In defence, it’s our discipline, and the ability to keep 15 people on the field.

“If we do that, we’ll go a long way.”

Reds: Harry Hoopert, Richie Asiata, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell. Reserves: Matt Faessler, Dane Zander, Feao Fotuaika, Lopeti Faifua, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Josh Flook, Mac Grealy.

Originally published as Queensland Reds lose star flyhalf James O’Connor for up to six weeks with a knee injury