Veteran James O’Connor to start at flyhalf for Queensland Reds against Wales

It has been a tough year for Reds stalwart James O’Connor, but he’s set to get a starting opportunity against Wales.

James O'Connor will return to Queensland’s starting team on Friday night. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Former Wallaby James O’Connor will start a match for Queensland for the first time this year when the Reds return to action against Wales on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.

O’Connor was reduced to three appearances off the bench during the Reds’ 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign – which ended last month with a 43-21 quarter-final loss to the Chiefs – as he battled a lingering hamstring problem.

However, with first-choice Queensland flyhalf Tom Lynagh on duty with the Wallabies, O’Connor will wear the Reds’ No.10 jersey against the Welsh.

“I haven’t played much footy this season so I’m really looking forward to this game against a country I’ve enjoyed playing against in the past,” the 34-year-old Gold Coast product said.

“I can speak for everyone in the squad when I say this is an awesome opportunity for the Reds and the players involved.

“We are playing a quality national team in what is pretty much a Test match situation.”

O’Connor is yet to sign a Reds deal for next season, but Queensland coach Les Kiss said talks were “progressing well”.

Les Kiss has been preparing his Queensland team for Friday’s clash against Wales. Picture: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

“The big focus that he wanted was to get into this game, to have an opportunity to go out there and put the No.10 jersey on for the Reds,” Kiss said of the 64-Test veteran.

“He’s been fantastic all year, and I know the boys are all rallying around him too for this opportunity.”

Kiss said O’Connor’s leadership skills would be of valuable assistance to fullback Jock Campbell, who will be skipper on Friday in the absence of usual co-captains Tate McDermott and Liam Wright, who are with the Wallabies.

“This is a wonderful honour for Jock, whose experience and leadership is evident around the Reds every week,” Kiss said.

“He’s a very astute player and he’s a Reds man.”

Elsewhere, McDermott’s international absence and the unavailability of the injured Kalani Thomas (foot) means Louis Werchon will start at halfback.

Former Melbourne Rebels pair Matt Gibbon and Lachie Anderson, who both recently joined the Reds, have been named on the bench.

“The boys know it is an important game and they are up for it,” Kiss said.

“They (Wales) are a special rugby nation so I know these matches put a different demand on you. We’ll go out and back our game. This is an opportunity that some never get.

Winger Suliasi Vunivalu wasn’t considered for selection due to a medial ligament strain in his knee.

Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Connor Vest, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, James O’Connor, Mac Grealy, Dre Pakeho, Tim Ryan, Floyd Aubrey, Jock Campbell. Bench: George Blake, Matt Gibbon, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Connor Anderson, Will Cartwright, Mason Gordon, Lachie Anderson.

Originally published as Veteran James O’Connor to start at flyhalf for Queensland Reds against Wales