Ryan Lonergan to lead Australia A after being dropped by Eddie Jones

Halfback Ryan Lonergan will lead an impressive Australia A side into battle when they take on Rugby World Cup-bound Portugal in France on Saturday.

Lonergan was picked in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship squad, but was not called upon to make his international debut by coach Eddie Jones. Instead, Tate McDermott and Nic White started two Tests each.

There was no room for Lonergan in the Wallabies’ 33-man squad for the Rugby World Cup, with Western Force No. 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa getting the nod by coach Jones.

This match is shaping up as a critical challenge for both teams. For the Australian players, their Rugby World Cup dreams may rest on this clash.

For the 23 players selected to represent Australia, it’s their final opportunity to impress Wallabies selectors. The World Cup squad has been named, of course, but injuries could open the door for a call-up.

As for Os Lobos, who will take on the Wallabies in pool play during the upcoming tournament in France, it’s their final hit-out before their World Cup opener against Wales on September 16.

Head Coach Jason Gilmore has named a star-studded outfit to take on Os Lobos at Stade Jules-Ladoumegue this weekend, with the backline boasting an impressive 178 Wallabies caps.

Captain Ryan Lonergan will partner 76-Test veteran Berard Foley in the halves, and experienced playmaker James O’Connor sits just outside them at inside centre.

O’Connor will pair up with Queensland Reds teammate Filipo Daugunu in the halves. Daugunu was under an injury cloud when the squad was initially named, but has clearly overcome those woes.

Wingers Dylan Pietsch and Lachlan Anderson join dropped Wallaby Tom Wright in the outside backs.

As for the forwards, captain Ryan’s brother, Lachlan Lonergan, will pack down in a talented front row alongside Tom Lambert and one-Test Wallaby Sam Talakai.

Josh Canham and Cadeyrn Neville have been picked ahead of Darcy Swain in the second row, and Lachlan Swinton, Pete Samu and Seru Uru make up a formidable loose forwards trio.

The match will not be televised, but fans can follow along via updates on the Wallabies’ social media pages.

Australia A versus Portugal gets underway at 8.00 pm on Saturday local time in Massy, or 4.00 am on Sunday morning on the east coast of Australia.

Australia A to take on Portugal

1. Tom Lambert
2. Lachlan Lonergan
3. Sam Talakai
4. Josh Canham
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Pete Samu
8. Seru Uru
9. Ryan Lonergan (c)
10. Bernard Foley
11. Dylan Pietsch
12. James O’Connor
13. Filipo Daugunu
14. Lachlan Anderson
15. Tom Wright

Replacements:

16. Folau Fainga’a
17. Matt Gibbon
18. Rhys Van Nek
19. Darcy Swain
20. Ned Hanigan
21. James Tuttle
22. Hunter Paisami
23. Josh Flook