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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.
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.
"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)
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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