Queensland Reds: James O’Connor’s final minute drop goal defeats the Western Force

James O’Connor kicked a matchwinning field goal to defeat the Western Force 31-24 win, stating a compelling case he is ready to return to the Wallaby flyhalf jersey for the first time since 2013.

Queensland Reds James O'Connor converts last-minute field goal to defeat Western Force 31-24. Picture: Brendan Hertel / QRU Media

The attacking spark in Australian rugby is alive and healthy with Gold Coast playmakers leading the national charge.

Queensland’s James O’Connor kicked the matchwinning field goal to defeat the Western Force 31-24 on Friday night, stating a compelling case he is ready to return to the Wallaby flyhalf jersey for the first time since 2013.

Incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie can breathe easily knowing that somewhere between James O’Connor, Jono Lance and Matt Toomua is a spark capable of igniting the Wallabies backline and with it the public’s love affair with rugby.

Lance, a Southport School product turned Western Force field general, proved a worthy villain in his return to the ground he won a Super Rugby title on in 2011.

Queensland Reds James O'Connor converts last-minute field goal to defeat Western Force 31-24. Picture: Brendan Hertel / QRU Media

It was a Lance dummy-pass that lured Harry Wilson out of the defensive line to create the space for his side’s first try in the 11th minute.

Three minutes later Lance’s chip-and-chase effort ignited another Force raid that sent the Reds into a 14-point deficit in as many minutes.

But O’Connor’s composure to rally the Reds on a 31-point comeback is proof he deserves a place in the Wallabies squad, if not the starting No.10 jersey.

The Reds are no longer the least-experienced squad in Super Rugby but they are still one of the most youthful.

O’Connor’s veteran influence in fightbacks against the Bulls, Waratahs, Rebels and now the Force cannot be overstated.

His detractors will find ammunition in the second intercept try his passing has created in two weeks.

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But with the errors come the ability to arrest a decline and swing a game on its head.

O’Connor’s 4/4 goalkicking display, followed by the matchwinning fifth goal, was as much the difference as his general play.

O’Connor recorded both key passes to break the Reds duck in the 19th minute.

A booming 50-22 kick carried the Reds from their own 40m line to the Force doorstep and deserved an official try assist for Taniela Tupou’s go-ahead pick-and-drive try in the 26th minute.

The final minute field goal, with outside centre Hunter Paisami in the sin bin, was the late decider that pushed the Reds to a seven-point lead and Queensland to the top of the Super Rugby AU table.