Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will captain the Australia A side against Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji on Saturday.
Reds backrower Fraser McReight and Melbourne Rebels fullback Reece Hodge have been named as Vice Captains as Australia A returns to the field for the first time since 2008 this weekend.
McReight is set to start alongside Tim Anstee and Will Harris in the backrow as Anstee returns to the gold jersey, last representing his country for the Aussie 7s.
The side is set to play in Suva at 11am (AEST) with Fijian born Seru Uru returning home after being named in the second row alongside Ryan Smith.
Matt Gibbon, Billy Pollard and former Wallaby Tom Robertson have all been named in the front row. Robertson is eager to impress as he aims to return to the Wallabies outfit.
Super Rugby sensation Tane Edmed will wear the No.10 jersey and is joined by Waratahs teammates Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqanitawase who have also been named in the starting backline.
Hodge, Reds pairing Jock Campbell and Hamish Stewart round out the backline with Stewart taking the number 12 jersey while Campbell will look to make an impact from the left wing.
Former Wallaby and Western Force captain Feleti Kaitu’u has been named as reserve hooker while Harry Hoopert and Archer Holz make up the reserve front-row.
Rebels halfback James Tuttle has also earned his way into the side after being a late inclusion into the squad joined by fellow late call-up Hudson Creighton and Waratahs fan favourite Dylan Pietsch.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with Ryan’s (Lonergan) ability to lead his Brumbies side over their successful Super Rugby Pacific campaign,” said coach Jason Gilmore.
“He’s certainly the right man for the job and pairing him in front of two already proven leaders in McReight and Hodge as vice captains builds us a pretty inspiring leadership group.
“We’ve had to make some extremely tough decisions leading up to game one with many players missing out on a jersey that certainly deserves it.
“It just shows the extraordinary level of depth we currently have in Australian Rugby and I think this competition will only yield successful results for the program.
The match will be shown on Stan Sport.
Australia A team to face Samoa
1. Matt Gibbon – Melbourne Rebels
2. Billy Pollard – Brumbies
3. Tom Robertson – Western Force
4. Seru Uru – Queensland Reds
5. Ryan Smith – Queensland Reds
6. Tim Anstee – Western Force
7. Fraser McReight (VC) – Queensland Reds
8. Will Harris – NSW Waratahs
9. Ryan Lonergan (C) – Brumbies
10. Tane Edmed – NSW Waratahs
11. Jock Campbell – Queensland Reds
12. Hamish Stewart – Queensland Reds
13. Lalakai Foketi – NSW Waratahs
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase – NSW Waratahs
15. Reece Hodge (VC) – Melbourne Rebels
Reserves
16. Feleti Kaitu’u – Western Force
17. Harry Hoopert – Queensland Reds
18. Archer Holz – NSW Waratahs
19. Hugh Sinclair – NSW Waratahs
20. Langi Gleeson- NSW Waratahs
21. James Tuttle – Melbourne Rebels
22. Hudson Creighton – Brumbies
23. Dylan Pietsch – NSW Waratahs
Wallabies124
Roar Rookie
When did I say that genius ? i said we don’t know what it’s like, which we don’t. Perhaps try and not let facts hurt for feeling
Dandaman
Roar Rookie
Part of the unspoken premise of my point was that I had considered Lonergan and did not rate him as highly as Fraser so I raised a point that I thought was worth some discussion. Do I go and reply to your articles and go 'your one sided and closed off'? There is not much between them is your truth buddy, not mine. My suggestion is for you to focus on lifting the bar on the articles you write
Dandaman
Roar Rookie
So am not entitled to an opinion? Most of the commentators here are not in camp either and they all have opinions. Bit of a nothing response from yourself TBH. Perhaps try and add something worthwhile to the discussion.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
G’day Rhys, cheers mate.. I am not too confident but hope that they take it to the Irish. Great weekend of Rugby for sure. :thumbup: :rugby:
Wallabies124
Roar Rookie
Your not in camp though so how would we really know what it’s like
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
LSL leaving after the Rodda exit, which remains a mystery, makes me wonder what is happening at the Reds?
Rhys
Roar Rookie
And tomorrow too mate for you, big games all round....Go....All Blacks?! (Proceeds to wash mouth with soap) :silly: Nah seriously, hope all the SH teams get up. Best of luck!
MichaelJ0
Roar Rookie
On Stan around 10:20
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I know it's nothing to do with Qld. I was 5hit stirring. Stupid. Apologies
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I guessed I’d have seen all of them play or heard of them or read of them here. Amazed they found a guy who fit none of those categories. And he was a Brumbie. A Rebel or a Force player with a similar profile might have sent a different, better message
Greg
Roar Rookie
Old story now but is this team small? All 4 sides will have had very little chance to gel but the 3 opponents will be very large humans. They'll all get a very physical workout!
Tim J
Roar Rookie
:thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Drama Queen? You really do live a sheltered life, I also did not realise that most of the US supported the Wallabies. Nothing wrong with a Country size of the USA supporting Australia. You need to learn about when using Capital letters, All Blacks and Tim starts with capital letters. Back to School for you!!
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
His contract? Longevity? :laughing:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Hello BF, thanks for that update.. one can never watch too much Ruggers, it is going to be along but great weekend of games. :thumbup: :rugby:
jameswm
Roar Guru
Suuuuure. Nothing about Hooper to like, right?
Brett McKay
Expert
Sounds like a lot of work and time in the off-season Morsie!! Lots of niggles in July end up being surgery in August so that they're ready for start of off-season..
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Great post Dean, I fully agree with everything you said and full respect mate.
Morsie
Roar Rookie
Thanks for that news, I have been wondering. He was clearly greatly distressed but he wouldn't give up - he has some ticker. I hope it's successful. A weekly "sick and hurt" report would be good Brett, something to keep us up to date with how some of these guys are coming along. Swinton and Hosea come to mind.
Brett McKay
Expert
Gilmore was also U20s coach the year before JC, when Lonergan was the captain (and McReight was in the side)..