Nine players from the ACT Brumbies have been named in the Australia XV squad against Bristol Bears in the opening game of their two-match tour of the UK, with no less than six in the starting lineup.
Forwards Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Tom Hooper and Rory Scott will take to the field from the first whistle, with outside backs Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead also selected. Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan and Ollie Sapsford have been named on the bench.
Lachlan Lonergan continues his return from an ankle injury and will pack down alongside teammate van Nek, while Canberra-based pair Tom Hooper and Rory Scott will play blindside and openside flanker respectively.
Olympian Toole has been named on the left wing, with teammate Andy Muirhead selected at fullback.
2024 Wallabies debutant Luke Reimer will be forward cover, with Ryan Lonergan the replacement scrumhalf and teammate Ollie Sapsford a back replacement.
Australia XV coach Rod Seib said: “The group has had a great week here in Bristol and have prepared well for what’s going to be a great experience at Ashton Gate on Friday night.
“There’s a mix of players, with some having International experience, while others have earned an opportunity in Australian colours for the first time with all of them very much looking forward to the challenge.”
Australia XV team to play Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Friday November 8 at 7:45pm GMT
1. Tom Lambert – NSW Waratahs
2. Lachlan Lonergan – ACT Brumbies
3. Rhys van Nek - ACT Brumbies
4. Angus Blyth - Queensland Reds
5. Darcy Swain (c) - Western Force
6. Tom Hooper - ACT Brumbies
7. Rory Scott - ACT Brumbies
8. John Bryant - Queensland Reds
9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa - Western Force
10. Hamish Stewart - Western Force
11. Corey Toole - ACT Brumbies
12. Joey Walton - NSW Waratahs
13. Josh Flook (vc) - Queensland Reds
14. Lachlan Anderson - Queensland Reds
15. Andy Muirhead - ACT Brumbies
Substitutes
16. Tom Horton – Western Force
17. Harry Hoopert - Western Force
18. Tiaan Tauakipulu – Western Force
19. Ryan Smith - Queensland Reds
20. Luke Reimer - ACT Brumbies
21. Ryan Lonergan - ACT Brumbies
22. Ollie Sapsford - ACT Brumbies
23. Jock Campbell – Queensland Reds
2024 Australia XV Tour
Australia XV v Bristol Bears, 7:45pm GMT, Friday November 8, Ashton Gate, Bristol
Australia XV v England A, 2:00pm GMT, Sunday November 17, Twickenham Stoop, London
