Rugby: Sinner O'Connor turns to saint with pivotal display

James O'Connor. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Wallabies star James O'Connor rebounded from a rare disciplinary blemish to help the Western Force beat the Lions in Johannesburg and end Australia's depressing run of outs against overseas opposition.

The Perth-based team scored two tries to nil, as coach Richard Graham celebrated his first Super win, against the side coached by his predecessor John Mitchell.

The result ended a run of seven games without a win for Australian teams against offshore opposition and was the first victory in four matches this year by an Aussie team over a South African side.

Winless in three previous games this season, which included a one-point loss away to Queensland and a home draw with the Blues, the Force proved they could win a tight one.

A big effort at the breakdown and a strong set-piece showing, highlighted by some excellent scrummaging, paved the way for the win.

Stand-in five-eighth O'Connor skilfully orchestrated a backline featuring fullback Cameron Shepherd, who threw the final pass for both tries scored by centre Nick Cummins and winger Alfi Mafi.

Up 11-0 after 21 minutes, the Force faltered in the third quarter of the match, briefly trailing 15-14 after O'Connor was sin-binned for a breakdown infringement.

"It was the first time I've been binned. I had no idea what I'd done, but apparently I didn't roll away," O'Connor said.

The Lions' lead lasted barely a minute, with Shepherd chipping and regathering after the restart before sending Mafi clear.

O'Connor, who finished with 15 points after landing five of his seven shots, added two penalties in the final 20 minutes against an increasingly frustrated and ill-disciplined Lions team.

"I've done a lot of work on my goalkicking and it seems to be paying off for me at crucial times," O'Connor said.

Playing in the pivot position because of an injury to New Zealander Willie Ripia, O'Connor is relishing the extra involvement.

"I get my hands on the ball a little bit more, which is what I enjoy. I'm enjoying being the key decision-maker and I like the extra responsibility," he said.

Graham acknowledged O'Connor's contribution and praised his forwards for providing a platform for their victory.

"Our scrum was exceptional tonight and our lineout was run well and our breakdown has got better each week and I thought we were really disciplined," Graham said.

"We allowed them back into the game when James went off, but the fantastic thing was the character shown by the group. We didn't panic, we looked to control possession again and we were worth the win."

FULL TIME

* Force: 27

* Lions: 15

- AAP