To the Western Force and their golden boy-turned-Super Rugby opponent James O’Connor, it’s just business.
Whether it’s unfinished or not won’t be really known until the Force do battle with O’Connor’s new club Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Since O’Connor’s protracted contract negotiations with the Force last year resulted in talks breaking down, then a move to Melbourne, the clubs’ first meeting in 2012 was always going to present a possible flashpoint.
But the build-up would suggest it’s more love match than grudge match.
O’Connor says he’s been engaged in gentle text message sparring with his former teammates all week.
Force skipper David Pocock acknowledges that O’Connor remains firm friends with those in the rival camp, and there is no damage done from his decision to pursue a better deal for his career elsewhere.
But Pocock is wary of the damage O’Connor can do on the field.
And there’s a firm resolve on his and the Force’s part to ensure mateship plays second fiddle as they get down to business for 80 minutes at AAMI Park on Friday night.
“A lot was made of the way he left the Force, but we’re all still good mates,” Pocock said on Thursday.
“It’s all fun and games off the field, but on the field it will be a different story.
“Everyone will be doing their best to win.”
O’Connor will shift from five-eighth to inside centre to accommodate returning Rebel Danny Cipriani, while halfback Nick Phipps returns with Richard Kingi moving to fullback.
Julian Huxley drops to the bench.
Pocock admits the Force must watch O’Connor closely, and negate his line-breaking ability.
“He’s a player that takes opportunities. He’s very good at isolating defenders when there’s a bit of space, he’s got great footwork and speed.
“He’s the focus of any team that he plays, minimising the opportunities he gets to use those feet and make breaks.”
While the Rebels were heartbroken last weekend by a late Cheetahs try which continued their winless start to the season, the Force stunned the Waratahs – finally prevailing in a close game for their first win of the year.
Now Pocock says the challenge for the Force is winning consistently, with an unchanged side named for Friday night.
“In isolation, it doesn’t mean too much. We’ve got to push on as a team and string together a few more wins,” he said.
“They’ve (the Rebels) improved in all their games this year.
“Last weekend they were right in it and to lose like they did last week would definitely be gutting, so they’ll have the motivation there.”
Rebels: Richard Kingi, Mark Gerrard, Lachlan Mitchell, James O’Connor, Cooper Vuna, Danny Cipriani, Nick Phipps, Gareth Delve (capt), Tom Chamberlain, Jarrod Saffy, Hugh Pyle, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, Adam Freier, Nic Henderson. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Rodney Blake, Alister Campbell, Tim Davidson, Michael Lipman, Lloyd Johansson, Julian Huxley.