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O'Connor and Foley named in Australia A side to face Tonga
By Ian Cameron
Australia A coach Jason Gilmore has announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming match against Tonga’s Ikale Tahi in Nuku’alofa.
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The team includes local favorites Folau Fainga’a and Taniela Tupou, who will be joined by Tom Lambert in the front row. Lukhan Salakai-Loto and Caderyn Neville will start in the second row.
The back row partnership consists of Lachie Swinton, Brad Wilkin, and Seru Uru, providing a formidable presence on the field. Experienced playmaker Bernard Foley has been named captain and will team up with Jake Gordon in the halves. James O’Connor and Joey Walton will form the centre combination, while Corey Toole, Lachie Anderson, and Jock Campbell complete the backline.
Coach Jason Gilmore expressed his satisfaction with the selection of a strong side for the match, and he noted the high level of excitement among the players leading up to Friday’s clash against Tonga’s Ikale Tahi.
“Preparation has been good, the boys have been excellent and I think we’re looking pretty sound,” Gilmore said.
“It’s great to have a few of our Tongan boys like Nela and Folau over here with us – we had a great reception at the airport and we’re looking forward to a really special game for all our boys, in particular those with Tongan heritage.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who have captained at Super Rugby level and a lot of natural leadership around the squad but we think Bernard is a great choice to lead.
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“He’s got a lot of experience, played at Two World Cups and just led Kubota to a win over in Japan – he’s in form and will do a good job for us.”
AUSTRALIA A:
1. Tom Lambert (NSW Waratahs)
2. Folau Fainga’a (Western Force)
3. Taniela Tupou (Melbourne Rebels)
4. Lukhan Salakai-Loto (Melbourne Rebels)
5. Cadeyrn Neville (ACT Brumbies)
6. Lachlan Swinton (NSW Waratahs)
7. Brad Wilkin (Melbourne Rebels)
8. Seru Uru (Queensland Reds)
9. Jake Gordon (NSW Waratahs)
10. Bernard Foley (c) (Kubota Spears)
11. Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies)
12. James O’Connor (Queensland Reds)
13. Joey Walton (NSW Waratahs)
14. Lachlan Anderson (Melbourne Rebels)
15. Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds)
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Lachlan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies)
17. Angus Wagner (Western Force)
18. Sam Talakai (Melbourne Rebels)
19. Ned Hanigan (NSW Waratahs)
20. Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds)
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Western Force)
22. Ollie Sapsford (ACT Brumbies)
23. Josh Flook (Queensland Reds)
Not a lot of size in that backline