AS IT HAPPENED: Dire first half, Swinton madness consign Aus A to loss to Tonga

The Australia A program has been rebooted for 2023 with a match against Tonga. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 12pm (AEST).

This match marks 50 years since the historic victory by the Tongan rugby side over the Wallabies in Brisbane in 1973. The hosts will be paying tribute to members of that match in attendance to round out a week of celebration that coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Tongan Rugby Union.

There are some familiar names in the Tongan side, including Malakai Fekitoa, Israel Folau and Charles Piutau in an impressive looking backline for the ‘Ikale Tahi.

Ben Tameifuna is named to start at tighthead and his size will be quite the introduction to international level for Tom Lambert. Former Waratah Sam Lousi is at lock and Vaea Fifita at blindside rounds out the forward pack.

The makeup of the Australia A side is largely different to what has been named in past years, with several fringe Wallabies squad members named alongside some up and comers.

Head coach Jason Gilmore has effectively been given the starting list from Wallabies coach Eddie Jones with the likes of Folau Fainga’a, Bernard Foley and James O’Connor named with 13 of the matchday 23 having been capped at Test level.

Taniela Tupou is making his way back from an Achilles injury in and anchors a strong looking forward pack. Brad Wilkin starts in the seven jersey and is joined in the backrow with Lachie Swinton and Seru Uru at 8.

Game information

Venue: Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Kick-off: 12pm (AEST)
TV: NITV (Channel 34)

Teams

Tonga

1. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 2. Samiuela Moli, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Samiuela Lousi, 5. Halaleva Fifita, 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7. Solomone Funaki, 8. Vaea Fifita, 9. Sonatane Takulua, 10. William Havili, 11. Fine Inisi, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Malakai Fekitoa, 14. Israel Folau, 15. Charles Piutau.

Substitutes: 16. Siua Maile, 17. Tau Koloamatangi, 18. David Lolohea, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. Sione Vailanu, 21. Manu Paea, 22. Otumaka Mausia, 23. Kyren Taumoefolau

Australia A

1. Tom Lambert, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Lukhan Salakai-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.

Substitutes: 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

Referee: Dan Waenga

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