Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will captain the Australia XV side against England A in the side’s final game of their tour of the UK on Sunday afternoon local time.
He’s one of a number of changes to the starting side that drew 10-all with Bristol last week, with the full squad of 30 set for game time throughout the tour.
Lonergan will partner England-born Tom Lynagh in the halves, with the latter having made his Wallabies debut earlier this year against Wales in Sydney.
An all-new starting front row will see 20-year-old, Massimo De Lutiis represent Australia for the first time at senior level alongside Reds teammate Josh Nasser and Western Force loosehead prop Harry Hoopert.
New Reds recruit Josh Canham will partner Ryan Smith as the starting locks, in a preview of the Queensland second row depth ahead of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.
Joe Brial, son of Wallaby number 712, Michael, has earned a start at number eight where he will link with Brumbies and Wallabies pair Tom Hooper and Luke Reimer in the loose forward trio.
Last week’s flyhalf Hamish Stewart shifts to his preferred position of inside centre and will partner the Waratahs’ Joey Walton who starts in the 13 jersey, after Josh Flook joined the Wallabies squad in Cardiff.
Crescent Head product Darby Lancaster will get his first minutes in the UK, named on the left edge with fellow flyer Corey Toole shifting to the right wing and Jock Campbell named to start at fullback.
Last week’s starters Lachlan Lonergan, Tom Lambert and Rhys van Nek shift to the replacement front row, with Reds lock Angus Blyth and Brumbies flanker Rory Scott the remaining forward cover.
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips are the replacement halves, with the versatile Brumbies back Ollie Sapsford rounding out the matchday 23.
Australia XV coach Rod Seib said: “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.”
“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.”
Watch all the action on Stan Sport with the Australia XV v England A match streaming ad-free, live and on demand.
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
Substitutes
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
Australia XV 10 drew with Bristol Bears 10 on Friday November 8, Ashton Gate, Bristol
Australia XV v England A, 2:00pm GMT, Sunday November 17, Twickenham Stoop, London
Australia A will take on England A on Sunday 17th November at Harlequins Twickenham Stoop Stadium – 2:00 PM Kick Off.
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ENDS
