Fiji host Australia A in Pacific Nations Rugby. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:30pm AEST.
With Reece Hodge being called up to the Wallabies, the Australia A team have gone with Jock Campbell at fullback.
There’s still plenty of experience in the team with Filipo Daugunu in the side.
Once again Ryan Lonergan will lead the team after their narrow five-point loss to Samoa last week.
“The squad is really excited about playing Fiji in Fiji,” coach Jason 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.”
Fiji is coming off a 36-0 win against Tonga where they scored five tries.
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka Fiji
Kick-off: 1:30pm AEST
Live stream: Stan Sport
Australia A
1. Matt Gibbon, 2. Matthew Faessler, 3. Tom Robertson, 4 Hugh Sinclair, 5. Ryan Smith, 6. Seru Uru, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Langi Gleeson, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 13. Hudson Creighton, 14. Dylan Pietsch, 15. Jock Campbell
Reserves
16. Feleti Kaitu’u, 17. Harry Hoopert, 18. Archer Holz, 19. Jeremy Williams, 20. Jackson Pugh, 21. James Tuttle, 22. Issac Henry, 23. Mark Nawaqanitawase
Fiji
1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Manasa Saulo, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Api Ratuniyarawa, 6. Mesu Kunavula, 7. Rusiate Nasove, 8. Albert Tuisue, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Teti Tela, 11. Vinaya Habosi, 12. Levani Botia, 13. Seta Tamanivalu, 14. Josua Tuisova, 15. Manasa Mataele
Reserves
16. Mesu Dolokoto, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Kitione Kamikamica, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Vilimoni Botitu, 23. Ben Volavola
Tony Harper
Editor
Ha, definitely afterwards, but I need my wits about me during
jeznez
Roar Guru
Glad to hear Gleeson played well. Have thought he was quality since the first time I saw him. . Harris/Gleeson could be a very special 6/8 pair as they develop for the Tahs.
savant
Roar Rookie
Fiji coaches missed a trick. They didn’t use rush defence that worked for the Samoans. Consequently Lonergan and Donaldson had more time. Forwards were good as well which gave a platform. Gleeson is a special talent. Gibbon grows with every outing. Faessler surprised with both throwing and scrummaging. Robbo solid. Pietsch continues to shine. Smith makes a coach tear his hair out. Great workhorse, very physical but a penalty machine.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Pretty good from Australia A. How about taking on the WBs at the end of their series against England. Play at Suncorp.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Big day today, Tony. Have a beer between each match.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Just seen the score. Fantastic. After watching Fiji last week I expected them to be too strong. Great result
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I look forward to you calling the ABs vs Ireland game Tony… :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Congratulations to Australia A and Aussie supporters. A big shout out and thank you to Tony, for his great call on the game.
Tony Harper
Editor
Thanks for your company and comments. I'll be back a bit later with a live blog of the ABs and Ireland, followed by reports from Suncorp Stadium with Australia hosting England later tonight.
Tony Harper
Editor
And the finals stats Possession: Aus 55-45 Territory: Aus 58-42 Time in opp 22: Aus 6:21 to 1:56 Pens conceded: Aus 16, Fiji 6 Handling errors: Aus 6, Fiji 11 Missed tackles: Aus 16, Fiji 11
DJ
Roar Rookie
V happy with Creighton, after not even being in the squad at first. Daugunu’s second half was good.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Much better game from Aus A than last week. Congrats Aus A.
Tony Harper
Editor
Ryan Lonergan says: "We fronted up today, we knew we had to, Fiji are a physical side. The forwards set the platform and I think we managed the game quite well. The progress we made in a week is a positive and we'll look to build."
Tony Harper
Editor
Impressive comeback after last week's poor performance and the changes justified their places.
Tony Harper
Editor
Game over! 32-18 win by the Aussies
DJ
Roar Rookie
Pretty good win in the end. No 10 did some aimless kicking at times
Tony Harper
Editor
And Fiji have the relieving penalty but it won't be enough. Australia A have looked good after an unconvincing opening 10 minutes - defending well especially.
Tony Harper
Editor
Fiji lose it forward, Hudson Creighton nearly puts Pietsch over on the left with a pass under tackle pressure. The ball just died on Pietsch as he reached for it
Tim J
Roar Rookie
A good win coming up for Aussie supporters, still a lot of work needed.
Tony Harper
Editor
Pietsch with a chip and chase on the left but the ball scurries dead