While most eyes will be on the Wallabies’ clash against Argentina on Saturday, one day earlier in Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa a key piece of Eddie Jones’ puzzle will return to the playing field after Taniela Tupou was named to start.
The giant prop was taken to South Africa last week for the Wallabies’ first-up loss to South Africa but didn’t play, with Jones deciding to wrap the key forward in cotton wool for another week.
It was a smart decision because as Allan Alaalatoa found out, Tests against the Springboks on the Highveld are no places to be eased back, particularly one coming back from a ruptured Achilles.
Tupou is one of 13 players named in Australia’s A team, with Jason Gilmore able to call upon a Wallabies-esque tight-five with Folau Fainga’a, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Cadeyrn Neville also named.
Interestingly, Seru Uru will start ahead of Harry Wilson at No.8.
It’s thought that Wilson’s huge workload for the Reds has played against him, with the well-liked back-rower building a perception of quantity over quality after being his Super Rugby side’s only ball-carrying option.
Taniela Tupou will make his comeback against Tonga. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Bernard Foley will captain the side and form a recognised halves pairing alongside former teammate Jake Gordon, while James O’Connor has been named at inside centre.
Jock Campbell has been named at fullback while speedster Corey Toole has been named on the left-wing.
Lachlan Lonergan and Ned Hanigan have been named on a strong bench that also includes Force livewire Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Josh Flook.
Seru Uru will start in the No.8 jersey ahead of Reds teammate Harry Wilson. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
While Gilmore is the head coach, it can be revealed that Jones selected the team more than a week ago.
His selection gives more insight into his thinking regarding the Wallabies, with selection fierce ahead of September’s World Cup.
“Preparation has been good, the boys have been excellent and I think we’re looking pretty sound,” Gilmore said in a statement.
“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.”
Australia A team to play Tonga at Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa on Friday 14 July, 3:00pm TOT/12pm AEST
1. Tom Lambert (NSW Waratahs)
2. Folau Fainga’a (Western Force)
3. Taniela Tupou (Melbourne Rebels)
4. Lukhan Salakai-Loto (Melbourne Rebels)
5. Cadeyrn Neville (ACT Brumbies)
6. Lachlan Swinton (NSW Waratahs)
7. Brad Wilkin (Melbourne Rebels)
8. Seru Uru (Queensland Reds)
9. Jake Gordon (NSW Waratahs)
10. Bernard Foley (c) (Kubota Spears)
11. Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies)
12. James O’Connor (Queensland Reds)
13. Joey Walton (NSW Waratahs)
14. Lachlan Anderson (Melbourne Rebels)
15. Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds)
Finishers
16. Lachlan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies)
17. Angus Wagner (Western Force)
18. Sam Talakai (Melbourne Rebels)
19. Ned Hanigan (NSW Waratahs)
20. Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds)
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Western Force)
22. Ollie Sapsford (ACT Brumbies)
23. Josh Flook (Queensland Reds)
KTinHK
Roar Pro
Watching it now! Thanks
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
:shocked: :shocked: :shocked:
Aussie Jim
Roar Rookie
Oooh not even illegal!!! Woohoo! I lied it was for me :stoked:
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Australia A by 40+.
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
It's going to be shown live on NITV (digital channel 34)
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
Just seen it will be on free to air TV. NITV (digital channel 34)
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
Your "friend" can watch it on free to air TV. NITV (digital channel 34 in my area...).
Aussie Jim
Roar Rookie
Say a risk taking friend wanted to watch it on a free stream (which may or may not be legal), what stream would they use? Asking for said friend of course. Your research would be appreciated, I know no one actually uses these streams.
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
Match will be on free to air. NITV.
Coker
Roar Rookie
Agreed that's what you want. But that's not what Valetini is offering. Hasn't done so all season, and if he can't do it in SRP he ain't going to do it in TRC.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Nice team, love the 10-12 axis.
terrence
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knock-knock..he jumped and secured 2-3 lineouts last weekend..but don't let facts get in the way of your bs..
Passit2me
Roar Rookie
Wilson on fringes, yes. But who else but Valetini can give us any advantage in tight against a Boks like pack? It’s not Wilson, I know that much.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Yeah seen he's joined the Tahs. We need good young props coming through. They're hard to come by and take years to develop.
Busted Fullback
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No RR. RA not that polite to, or respectful of, their players. They think they’ve got him tied up as he signed for two more years with the Reds and wouldn’t make residency qualifications for anyone else for 2027. Would you blame him if he broke contract and played in a different coloured jersey in 4 years?
Busted Fullback
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These are the things that slip by when you sack the head of the media unit? Where’s Wallaby Video when you need it?
OwenL
Roar Rookie
Fines should be starting
rusty
Roar Rookie
I'm starting to agree with some of the respondents on this site that Val is over rated and he definitely showed this on the weekend. Yes Wilson would have done more and effectively so. Just because the "experts" bleat up Val doesn't make it so. I stopped believing in lawyers and the tooth fairy years ago.
savant
Roar Rookie
Read is a great comparison. Both are better suited to wide running than hit ups. But all Wilson’s coaches have made him play in the middle. He has no future there. If he could jump he could be a great second rower. But alas he is limited.
savant
Roar Rookie
And Lolesio nowhere in sight. Walton has usurped Flook as back up 13. Stewart, the best defensive back in Australia, also out of sight.