Australia A shuffle lineup ahead of Fiji clash

Fri, 08/07/2022, 8:56 am
Nathan Williamson


Australia A coach Jason Gilmore has made several changes as they prepare to face Fiji in Lautoka.

Ryan Lonergan will once again lead the side, with Waratahs flyhalf Ben Donaldson coming into the side alongside him.

Reds hooker Matt Faessler continues his incredible rise, named at hooker as Tom Robertson and Matt Gibbon retain their spots following dominant showings against Samoa.

Hugh Sinclair comes into the starting side to partner Ryan Smith in the second-row, allowing Seru Uru to move to flanker.

Sinclair is joined by Waratahs teammate Langi Gleeson, who comes into the back of the scrum as Fraser McReight completes the backrow.

Wallaby Filipo Daugunu will get the chance to shine in a new-look back-three, with Dylan Pietsch added to the wing as Jock Campbell moves to fullback following Reece Hodge's Wallabies call-up.

Lalakai Foketi and Hudson Creighton complete the centres as they prepare for a tough encounter against the host nation.

“The squad is really excited about playing Fiji in Fiji," Gilmore said in a statement.

“It’s a special occasion and this opportunity does not come around too often. For Seru, Filipo, Mark and Langi to play this match in Fiji will be a memorable moment for the boys and their families.

“We were disappointed not to finish the game off against Samoa after fighting our way back into it in the second half.

“Our execution early in the match will be important against an experienced Fiji team. As we know with this team, they can attack from anywhere and we will need to be defensively sharp."

New Force recruit and recent call-up Jeremy Williams comes into a largely settled bench, joined by new teammates Jackson Pugh and Feleti Kaitu'u.

Harry Hoopert and Archer Holz retain their spots to round out the forward finishes.

Meanwhile, new call-up Reds centre Isaac Henry will make his first appearance since returning from injury as James Tuttle and Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Australia A will face Fiji this Saturday 9 July at Churchill Park kicking off at 1:30pm with every moment live, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.

Australia A side to face Fiji

1. Matt Gibbon – Melbourne Rebels

2. Matthew Faessler - Queensland Reds

3. Tom Robertson – Western Force

4 Hugh Sinclair – NSW Waratahs

5. Ryan Smith – Queensland Reds

6. Seru Uru – Queensland Reds

7. Fraser McReight (VC) – Queensland Reds

8. Langi Gleeson - NSW Waratahs

9. Ryan Lonergan (C) - Brumbies

10. Ben Donaldson – NSW Waratahs

11. Filipo Daugunu – Queensland Reds

13. Lalakai Foketi – NSW Waratahs

13. Hudson Creighton – Brumbies

14. Dylan Pietsch – NSW Waratahs

15. Jock Campbell – Queensland Reds

Reserves

16. Feliti Kaitu’u – Western Force

17. Harry Hoopert – Queensland Reds

18. Archer Holz – NSW Waratahs

19. Jeremy Williams – Western Force

20. Jackson Pugh – Western Force

21. James Tuttle – Melbourne Rebels

22. Issac Henry – Queensland Reds

23. Mark Nawaqanitawase – NSW Waratahs

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/austra...i-clash-202277

Nice try to incoming Force player Jeremy Williams against Fiji and another long shift by Robbo at tighthead. Feleti and Jackson both did well in the few minutes they each got. Mataele at full back for Fiji did not have that much to do but prefer him on the wing and happy to have Tiatia at fullback for next year.

I liked the look of Williams, certainly looked comfortable at that level which indicates he'll be ok at super rugby level.

Jackson did a lot of good stuff in his short stint, looks like he's being prepared for the back row.