Some experienced Wallaby campaigners have been named in the Australia A squad which is set to face a rejuvenated Tonga team on July 14.
13 of the 25 players in the Australian squad have experience in a Wallabies jersey, none more than Bernard Foley, who was a surprise omission from Eddie Jones’ Rugby Championship squad.
Three former Sevens players have been selected, with Brumbies speedster Corey Toole continuing his remarkable rise after a breakout season in Super Rugby Pacific. He’s joined by Lachie Anderson and former All Black Sevens player Ollie Sapsford.
“It’s great to build on the foundations of the Australia A program from last year with another hit out against Test-quality International opposition in Tonga,” coach Jason Gilmore said in a statement.
“Eddie has selected a group with a huge amount of talent and alongside the rest of the Australia A coaches, I’m looking forward to working closely with them and maximising our time together.”
The match will take place in Tonga on the 50th anniversary of Tonga’s victory over the Wallabies; a match where Fatai Kefu, the father of current Tonga coach and Wallabies legend Toutai Kefu, represented the Ikale Tahi.
