Australia XV make mass changes to First XV for clash with England A

Australia XV coach Rod Seib has made a staggering 14 changes to the starting side ahead of the team’s final match on tour against England A. Backrower Tom Hooper is the only player to retain his same position in the First XV for the clash at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday afternoon (local time).

Hamish Stewart, Corey Toole and Joey Walton have all held onto a place in the run-on side but they'll wear new numbers this week as part of a reshuffle. Stewart moves from 10 to 12, Toole goes from one wing to the other, and Walton switches centre positions.

Following the representative side’s 10-all draw with Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate last week, coach Seib has made changes to ensure the full squad of 30 after set for game time throughout the two-match tour in the United Kingdom.

Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan will captain the side this time after previously coming off the bench against the Bears. Lonergan will link up with Tom Lynagh in the halves, who made his Wallabies debut earlier this year against Warren Gatland’s Wales in Sydney.

The Australia XV will field an all-new front row with 20-year-old Massimo De Lutiis – who has beaten Taniela Tupou’s bench press record at the Queensland Reds – who will represent Australia for the first time. De Lutiis joins Josh Nasser and Harry Hoopert up front.

Reds recruit Josh Canham partners vice-captain Ryan Smith in the second row, while the loose forwards trio is made up of Hooper, Luke Reimer, and Joe Brial. There are five Reds representatives, two Brumbies players, and a sole member of the Force in that pack.

As for the backs, captain Lonergan and Lynagh will look to provide quick and quality ball to an exciting backline that includes Stewart and Walton in the midfield. Wallaby Darby Lancaster will line up on the left wing, with Olympian Toole on the right.

Rounding out the starting side as Wallaby Jock Campbell, who came off the pine against Bristol last time out. The bench also packs a punch, with the likes of Angus Blyth, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Ollie Sapsford looking to add impact if they’re given the chance.

“We had a really valuable hit out against Bristol last week and we’ve trained well again, as we try to build some more cohesion among the group and provide opportunities to those in the squad,” coach Rod Seib said in a statement.

“To play England A at an iconic ground such as The Stoop is going to be a memorable experience for our players and I know it’s a challenge they’re looking forward to.”

The clash between Australia XV and England A at the famous Twickenham Stoop is scheduled to kick-off at 2:00 pm GMT on Sunday, November 17. Tickets will be available for purchase on match day for those who wish to attend.

Australia XV to take on England A

1. Harry Hoopert - Western Force
2. Josh Nasser – Queensland Reds
3. Massimo De Lutiis – Queensland Reds
4. Ryan Smith (vc) – Queensland Reds
5. Josh Canham - Queensland Reds
6. Tom Hooper - ACT Brumbies
7. Luke Reimer - ACT Brumbies
8. Joe Brial - Queensland Reds
9. Ryan Lonergan (c) - ACT Brumbies
10. Tom Lynagh – Queensland Reds
11. Darby Lancaster – NSW Waratahs
12. Hamish Stewart - Western Force
13. Joey Walton - NSW Waratahs
14. Corey Toole - ACT Brumbies
15. Jock Campbell – Queensland Reds

Replacements

16. Lachlan Lonergan – ACT Brumbies
17. Tom Lambert – NSW Waratahs
18. Rhys van Nek - ACT Brumbies
19. Angus Blyth - Queensland Reds
20. Rory Scott - ACT Brumbies
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa - Western Force
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Queensland Reds
23. Ollie Sapsford - ACT Brumbies