Australia A push for Pacific Nations Cup as they name side to face Tonga

Fri, 15/07/2022, 8:57 am
Nathan Williamson


Australia A coach Jason Gilmore has named a relatively settled line-up as they face Tonga in Lakota, Fiji.

They currently sit in second place with one round remaining, needing a bonus-point win over the ʻIkale Tahi and Fiji to defeat Samoa.

After an impressive win over the hosts, Gilmore has rewarded a number of players, with Ryan Lonergan once again set to captain the side.

Brumbies breakout star Billy Pollard is one of two changes to the starting side, partnering Matt Gibbon and Tom Robertson in the front-row.

Seru Uru shifts to the second-row alongside Hugh Sinclair, with vice-captain Fraser McReight joining the returning Will Harris and the impressive Langi Gleeson in the back-row.

Meanwhile, it's an unchanged backline as Lonergan partners Waratahs flyhalf Ben Donaldson in the halves.

He is joined by Waratahs teammates Lalakai Foketi and Dylan Pietsch, with Hudson Creighton and Jock Campbell rounding out the starting side.

“The group has worked hard over the last fortnight to get a great result against Fiji," Gilmore said in a statement.

“To beat a strong Fiji team in Fiji was a special occasion for everyone, in particular for Seru (Uru), Filipo (Daugunu), Langi (Gleeson) and Mark (Nawaqanitawase).

“But we need to back it up against Tonga, they will be desperate for a win and will bring plenty of physicality early.

“We know what to expect and need to make our actions count. The boys are excited for the challenge ahead.”

Reds hooker Matt Faessler drops back to the bench, joined by club teammate Harry Hoopert and the debuting Tom Ross.

New Force recruit Jeremy Williams retains his spot after his charge-down try, joined by club teammate Tim Anstee

Tane Edmed and Hamish Stewart look to provide some energy off the bench, with Rebels scrumhalf James Tuttle once again selected as part of the reserves.

Australia A side to face Tonga

1.Matt Gibbon

2. Billy Pollard

3. Tom Robertson

4. Hugh Sinclair

5. Seru Uru

6. Will Harris

7. Fraser McReight (vc)

8. Langi Gleeson

9. Ryan Lonergan (c)

10. Ben Donaldson

11. Filipo Daugunu

12. Lalakai Foketi (vc)

13. Hudson Creighton

14. Dylan Pietsch

15. Jock Campbell

Reserves

16. Matt Faessler

17. Harry Hoopert

18. Tom Ross

19. Jeremy Williams

20. Tim Anstee

21. James Tuttle

22. Tane Edmed

23. Hamish Stewart

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/austra...ns-cup-2022713