Reds expected former Queensland star James O’Connor to do his talking on the field for the Crusaders

The Reds are set for an ‘exciting’ challenge when they take on former Queensland star James O’Connor on Sunday.

Reds co-captain Tate McDermott has praised his former teammate James O’Connor for resisting any urge to engage in trash talk ahead of Queensland’s clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch on Sunday.

After a five-year spell with the Reds, experienced flyhalf O’Connor parted ways with Queensland in September last year before shocking the rugby world a month later in announcing he was moving to New Zealand to join the Crusaders.

“He was a really important part of our side for a number of years, and a great servant for Queensland rugby and Australian rugby in general, so it’s going to be a bit weird seeing him in red on the other side,” McDermott said on Friday.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him on the field, and he’ll pick up a couple of calls here and there, but there’s one thing knowing it and another thing is stopping it.

“It’s going to be an exciting match-up when James takes part on the field – that’s for sure.”

Tate McDermott (left) celebrates with James O'Connor during their days as Queensland teammates. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

McDermott had expected a lot more friendly banter this week between O’Connor – who has been named on the Crusaders bench – and his former teammates

However, he wasn’t surprised that O’Connor had no interest in taking in verbal swipes at the Reds, when others in a similar situation might have.

“The one thing about James is he doesn’t throw chat pre-game, which is good,” halfback McDermott said of the veteran of 64 Wallabies appearances.

“Some players that have moved away from our environment like to throw a bit of chat midweek, but I think James does the majority of his talking on the field in the way that he plays.

“He’s a great player, and we’re going have to make sure we’re on our toes when he enters the fray.”

The Reds are hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the Super Rugby Pacific season with a third straight win.

“We’re chasing consistent performances, week in, week out, and there’s a big game waiting for us to test how we’re going on that trajectory as well,” McDermott said.

📍 Christchurch pic.twitter.com/eZvddEMNbE

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) March 7, 2025

Rather than come home between games, the Reds flew from Perth – where they beat Western Force 28-24 last Saturday – to Christchurch.

It was an itinerary decided before the season, and not hastily made due to the potential threat of being unable to fly to New Zealand due to Cyclone Alfred.

However, after arriving in Christchurch, Reds players were given the option of returning home before the match to be with their families.

“No-one has headed back,” McDermott said.

“The organisation (Queensland Rugby Union) has been really good for our families back home.

“We’ll be lining up exactly how we were named, and all our families and friends are safe back at home, which is awesome.”

Originally published as Reds expected former Queensland star James O’Connor to do his talking on the field for the Crusaders