The final matchday of the Pacific Nations Cup is here with Tonga taking on Australia A in Fiji. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 10am AEST.
The task is simple for the Wallabies reserves side. They must win and hope Fiji defeat Samoa later today to claim the trophy.
Australia A head coach Jason Gilmore has made two changes to his side with Brumbies Hooker Billy Pollard in the side ahead of Matt Faessler who will start from the bench for the side’s final clash.
Will Harris has also claimed the number six jersey as a late inclusion into the side.
Another Brumbies representative Tom Ross gets a spot on the bench in the place of Archer Holz while Western Force backrower Tim Anstee will look to make an impact as well replacing teammate Jackson Pugh
Super Rugby Pacific star Hamish Stewart will also return to the bench after last appearing in the side’s first match against Samoa.
“The group has worked hard over the last fortnight to get a great result against Fiji,” Gilmore said.
“To beat a strong Fiji team in Fiji was a special occasion for everyone, in particular for Seru (Uru), Filipo (Daugunu), Langi (Gleeson) and Mark (Nawaqanitawase).
“But we need to back it up against Tonga, they will be desperate for a win and will bring plenty of physicality early.
“We know what to expect and need to make our actions count.
“The boys are excited for the challenge ahead.”
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka Fiji
Kick-off: 10:00am AEST
Live stream: Stan Sport
Australia A 1. Matt Gibbon, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Tom Robertson, 4. Hugh Sinclair, 5. Seru Uru, 6. Will Harris, 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. Matt Faessler, 17. Harry Hoopert, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Jeremy Williams, 20. Tim Anstee, 21. James Tuttle, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Hamish Stewart
Tonga
1. David Lolohea, 2. Sam Moli, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Leva Fifita (c), 5. Sam Lousi, 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7. Solomone Funaki, 8. Lotu Inisi, 9. Manu Paea, 10. William Havili, 11. Anzelo Tuitavuki, 12. Fetuli Paea, 13. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 14. Tima Fainga’anuku, 15. ‘Otumaka Mausia.
Reserves
16. Jay Fonokalafi, 17. Fe’ao Fotuaika, 18. Joe ‘Apikotoa, 19. Sione Havili Talitui, 20. Veikoso Poloniati, 21. Aisea Halo, 22. James Faiva, 23. Telusa Veainu
Charlie Turner
Guest
I did not watch the game but the highlights of Gleeson imbedded really only confirm some terrible defence by the Tongan backs. His hit on his opposite number was a gift too. I’m not suggesting he doesn’t deserve a wrap but there must be bigger body of work to prove he’s a legitimate contender.
jeznez
Roar Guru
He’s impressed me since I first saw him play for Tahs A. I thought the Queenslanders had a point with some of their complaints (that is where most of the noise came from) but gee he’s been good. Faded a little bit late in the match but was an excellent shift.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Remember all the complaints that back rowers should have been picked over him when the squad was named? Showed exactly why he was today.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
There’s been a lot more talk recently about lack of Pasifika representation in rugby off field. Why is Willie Lose not being picked up by Stan Sport? Excellent and experienced commentator. Articulate and insightful. I know he used to be on NZ coverage but haven’t seen him recently. Would listen to him over Horan and Campese any day of the week.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Definitely. Think the fact that Gilmore went with Harris at 8 in the first match and then Gleeson in the games since gives us a pointer.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
We still need an NRC, no question, but I really hope RA continues to invest in the Aus A pathway. Providing test match level experience to up and coming players with Wallaby potential, guys that may only be Super Rugby players and as a way to get current Wallaby players into form, it’s a massive win-win-win that will serve the Wallabies and domestic Super teams well. Plus it gives more good coaching experience. Gilmore, for instance, seems to be growing as a coach after his success in u20s and will continue to develop now at a step above. Also interesting to note Bernie Larkham in attendance today.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
He’s been immense, I can see him taking the 8 jumper at the tahs next season.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Currently, 99 comments. I'll do one more to provide milestone :stoked:
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Yes, Australia A were impressive. It's important they get more games.
MichaelJ0
Roar Rookie
Thanks Tony
Tony Harper
Editor
Willie Lose has given the Aussie boys a wrap. When they get punched, they punch back," he said. There's a very good side here. They've got some quality players no question about that. They were belted but decided to fight fire with fire."
Tony Harper
Editor
Thanks for joining me for the Pacific Nations Cup over the past few weeks. Been some enjoyable action and I'm sure the Australian powerbrokers got what they wanted out of this - decent Test match rugby for the Wallabies back ups.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Enjoyed that match. Loving how well Gleeson is going. He’s playing brilliantly for a guy in his first pro season.
Tony Harper
Editor
Ryan Lonergan says: "We're pretty proud, we're disappointed with our first game. After that boys dug in and really proud of the effort and how we've come together over the last few weeks. He added: "Go Fiji!"
Jaimie
Guest
Who converted that final Aus A try?
Tony Harper
Editor
Australia are top of the table with 2 wins and a loss to Samoa. Samoa is also on two wins but second overall while Fiji has one win.
Wooliej
Roar Rookie
Hot finish!
Tony Harper
Editor
TGA 22 AUS 39, Fulltime! That caught us all off guard. The TV clock showed 78 minutes but the ref has had enough
Tony Harper
Editor
TGA 20 AUS 39, 74:00: It's converted and the Australians have put this one on ice
Tony Harper
Editor
James Tuttle scoops the ball up after strong forward surge and gives a cheeky swan dive finish!