Super Rugby Pacific Round Four Teams: O’Connor Issues Alert for Queensland as New Zealand Shifts Strategy

James O’Connor has issued a reminder to the Reds that they’ll need to adapt their tactics as he gears up to face his former Queensland teammates for the first time on Sunday.

Upon his arrival in Christchurch, O’Connor was met with a chilly reception, yet he has quickly won over Crusaders supporters with his impactful performances from the bench and his eagerness to immerse himself in a new culture.

“Initially, it felt like, ‘Do we really want an Aussie here?’ But with Kiwi heritage on my side, I’m relishing the challenge and embracing the culture,” O’Connor expressed to the media before the round four Super Rugby Pacific showdown.

“During the bye week, I jumped in the campervan and ventured up north to the Marlborough Sounds and Kaikoura. I’m taking the time to explore the country and loving every moment with my wife and dog,” he added.

The good vibes seem to be reciprocated, as evidenced by one enthusiast who leapt out of his car at a McDonald’s drive-thru after a recent victory to treat O’Connor to a post-match meal.

“It wasn’t just a small order; it was a decent sized meal he dug into his own pocket for,” O’Connor recounted.

“It was a lovely gesture that he didn’t have to extend. I believe it highlights how much they value good rugby and how thrilled they are to have me here.”

This week, however, O’Connor is focused solely on the match as he aims to secure a victory against his former comrades.

Reds flanker Liam Wright disclosed that O’Connor has given them “radio silence” after they reached out for a pre-game coffee catch-up in Christchurch.

“The Crusaders shared a nice Instagram post yesterday, which I couldn’t resist replying to, and that was quite amusing,” O’Connor said.

While expressing his fondness for Queensland in the video, the playmaker warned: “They’ll need to alter their calls because I’m going to be calling them out all day if I get the chance to play.”

Queensland coach Les Kiss, who is still in contention for the Wallabies position, expressed great respect for O’Connor.

“He’s a remarkable player with exceptional skill,” Kiss acknowledged.

“He had the option to stay, and we were almost there. Then this opportunity arose, and it thrilled him. There are no hard feelings here. He has contributed a lot here and knows a fair bit about our team, so we must navigate that carefully.”

Continue reading for all the latest team news ahead of round four of Super Rugby.

NEW PODCAST! The Inside Line team dives into the Wallabies’ policy on player departures at season-end and uncovers the secret to their successful Super Rugby start.

BLUES vs BRUMBIES

Two heavyweights of Super Rugby find themselves surprisingly at 1-2 after sluggish beginnings to the season.

The defending champions, the Blues, are back at their stronghold of Eden Park, full of confidence following a recent win over the Hurricanes in Wellington.

FRI 7 March: Eden Park, Auckland (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Anton Segner, Cameron Suafoa, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Cole Forbes.

Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Tristyn Cook, Che Clark, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Corey Evans

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Warwick Lahmert

TMO: Richard Kelly

DRUA vs CHIEFS

The Drua have been the unfortunate tale of the competition thus far, suffering three narrow losses.

This match against a top table Chiefs side, who enjoy an open style of play, promises to be an exciting encounter in Lautoka.

SAT 8 March: Churchill Park, Lautoka (2.35pm kickoff AEDT)

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu

Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu, Taniela Rakuro

CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Manaaki Selby Rickit, Tupou Vaa’i (c), Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Jimmy Tupou, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa

Replacements: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Malachi Wrampling, Xavier Roe, Shaun Stevenson

Referee: Damon Murphy

Assistant Referees: George Myers, Jordan Kaminski

TMO: James Leckie

MOANA vs HURRICANES

The Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea will be competing against his former Hurricanes teammates in what promises to be an emotional match for both sides.

Despite not having won a game yet, Moana has remained competitive, with Savea shining in a strong performance against the Highlanders last week.

SAT 8 March: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

PASIFIKA (1-15): James Lay, Millennium Sanerivi, Sione Mafile’o, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Aisea Halo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Ofa

HURRICANES (1-15): Siale Lauaki, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love

Replacements: Nic Souchon, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Jone Rova

Referee: Marcus Playle

Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Fraser Hannon

TMO: Glenn Newman

WARATAHS vs FORCE

The undefeated Waratahs will look to deliver a more polished performance as they host an impressive Force side in Sydney.

NSW stands at 2-0 under the guidance of new coach Dan McKellar but has had to fight hard for both victories, now aiming to add a touch of finesse to their game.

SAT 8 March: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Lawson Creighton, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly

FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Josh Smith, Josh Thompson, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa

Referee: Angus Mabey

Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Matt Kellahan

TMO: Brett Cronan

CRUSADERS vs REDS

The unbeaten Reds are heading to Christchurch with a healthy dose of confidence after defeating Super Rugby’s most successful club on their home turf last year.

Queensland is playing with freedom under second-year coach Les Kiss, whilst the Crusaders boast the talents of former Reds star James O’Connor.

SUN 9 March: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (15:35)

CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan

Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua

REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-captain), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-captain), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Dre Pakeho, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray

Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Frankie Goldsbrough

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Jackson Henshaw

TMO: Glenn Newman