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Fri, 15/07/2022, 8:57 am
Nathan Williamson
Australia A coach Jason Gilmore has named a relatively settled line-up as they face Tonga in Lakota, Fiji.
They currently sit in second place with one round remaining, needing a bonus-point win over the ʻIkale Tahi and Fiji to defeat Samoa.
After an impressive win over the hosts, Gilmore has rewarded a number of players, with Ryan Lonergan once again set to captain the side.
Brumbies breakout star Billy Pollard is one of two changes to the starting side, partnering Matt Gibbon and Tom Robertson in the front-row.
Seru Uru shifts to the second-row alongside Hugh Sinclair, with vice-captain Fraser McReight joining the returning Will Harris and the impressive Langi Gleeson in the back-row.
Meanwhile, it's an unchanged backline as Lonergan partners Waratahs flyhalf Ben Donaldson in the halves.
He is joined by Waratahs teammates Lalakai Foketi and Dylan Pietsch, with Hudson Creighton and Jock Campbell rounding out the starting side.
“The group has worked hard over the last fortnight to get a great result against Fiji," Gilmore said in a statement.
“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.”
Reds hooker Matt Faessler drops back to the bench, joined by club teammate Harry Hoopert and the debuting Tom Ross.
New Force recruit Jeremy Williams retains his spot after his charge-down try, joined by club teammate Tim Anstee
Tane Edmed and Hamish Stewart look to provide some energy off the bench, with Rebels scrumhalf James Tuttle once again selected as part of the reserves.
Australia A side to face Tonga
1.Matt Gibbon
2. Billy Pollard
3. Tom Robertson
4. Hugh Sinclair
5. Seru Uru
6. Will Harris
7. Fraser McReight (vc)
8. Langi Gleeson
9. Ryan Lonergan (c)
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Filipo Daugunu
12. Lalakai Foketi (vc)
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
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/austra...ns-cup-2022713
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