Australia A coach Jason Gilmore has named his 23-man squad for Friday’s highly anticipated match against the Ikale Tahi in Nuku’alofa.
Local heroes Folau Fainga’a and Taniela Tupou will pack down together alongside Tom Lambert with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Caderyn Neville starting in the engine room.
Lachie Swinton, Brad Wilkin and Seru Uru form a potent back row partnership while veteran playmaker Bernard Foley has been named captain and will link up in the halves with Jake Gordon.
James O’Connor and Joey Walton will combine in the centres with Corey Toole, Lachie Anderson and Jock Campbell rounding out the backline.
Australia A coach Jason Gilmore was pleased to name such a strong side and said excitement was high ahead of Friday’s clash.
“Preparation has been good, the boys have been excellent and I think we’re looking pretty sound,” Gilmore said.
“It’s great to have a few of our Tongan boys like Nela and Folau over here with us – we had a great reception at the airport and we’re looking forward to a really special game for all our boys, in particular those with Tongan heritage.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who have captained at Super Rugby level and a lot of natural leadership around the squad but we think Bernard is a great choice to lead.
“He’s got a lot of experience, played at two World Cups and just led Kubota to a win over in Japan – he’s in form and will do a good job for us.”
The match also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Tonga’s 1973 victory over the Wallabies at Ballymore with Classic Wallabies Geoff Richardson and John Cole set to join proceedings.
The Australia A Tongan tour continues Australian Government’s investment in the development of Rugby throughout the Pacific through the PacificAus Sports program and follows significant investment to support Pacific Rugby pathways in partnership with Oceania Rugby.
PacificAus Sports creates ongoing opportunities for Australian and Tongan athletes, coaches, and sports administrators to train, play and grow together.
Meanwhile, the Australia A squad arrived in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday ahead of their highly anticipated match against the Ikale Tahi on Friday afternoon.
While the primary focus will be Australia A tackling Tonga on the 50th anniversary of Tonga’s 1973 victory over the Wallabies at Ballymore in Brisbane, Australian players and staff will also have the opportunity to engage with the wider Tongan community, including Tonga High School, Kolomatu’a Rugby Club, and women’s and men’s rugby players of His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) at Masefield Navy Base.
“Australia and Tonga’s Rugby rivalry doesn’t just build mutual respect and pride; it brings our nations together through shared goals, heroes, and achievements. We look forward to further strengthening this relationship on and off the field in Tonga as both of our countries build towards Rugby World Cup 2023,” said Rugby Australia Executive, Anthony French.
The Australia A Tongan tour is the continuation of the Australian Government’s investment in the development of Rugby throughout the Pacific through the PacificAus Sports program and follows significant investment to support Pacific Rugby pathways in partnership with Oceania Rugby.
PacificAus Sports creates ongoing opportunities for Australian and Tongan athletes, coaches, and sports administrators to train, play and grow together.
Anthony French said, “Tonga has built an impressive squad under Toutai Kefu, and they will be tough competition for Australia A and at the World Cup later this year – we want to thank the Australian Government and Tonga Rugby Union who made this fixture possible”.
Australia A team to play Tonga at Teufaiva Stadium
1. Tom Lambert
2. Folau Fainga’a
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Brad Wilkin
8. Seru Uru
9. Jake Gordon
10. Bernard Foley (c)
11. Corey Toole
12. James O’Connor
13. Joey Walton
14. Lachlan Anderson
15. Jock Campbell
Finishers
16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Angus Wagner
18. Sam Talakai
19. Ned Hanigan
20. Harry Wilson
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
22. Ollie Sapsford
23. Josh Flook
SOURCE: RUGBY.COM.AU/PACNEWS
