Swain to lead Australia XV, Stewart to start at flyhalf against Bristol

Rugby Au

Western Force recruit Darcy Swain will lead the Australia XV side out against Bristol in the opening game of their two-match tour of the UK.

Swain will partner fellow Wallaby Angus Blyth in the second row, with a total of 10 Wallabies in the matchday 23.

Lachlan Lonergan continues his return from an ankle injury, named to start in the front row alongside Tom Lambert and ACT Brumbies teammate Rhys van Nek.

Queensland’s John Bryant has been named for his first senior match in Australian colours as the number eight, combining with Canberra-based pair Tom Hooper and Rory Scott in the loose forwards.

Perth pair Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Hamish Stewart will steer the ship from the halves, with Joey Walton and Josh Flook to partner in the midfield.

2024 Olympian Corey Toole has been named on the left wing, with his Brumbies teammate Andy Muirhead selected at fullback and new Reds recruit Lachlan Anderson on the right edge.

Tom Horton is the replacement hooker, with Harry Hoopert and Tiaan Tauakipulu the props in what is an all Force finishing front row.

2024 Wallabies debutants Josh Canham and Luke Reimer are the remaining forward cover.

Brumbies leader Ryan Lonergan is the replacement scrumhalf, with his club teammate Ollie Sapsford and Queensland fullback Jock Campbell rounding out the matchday 23.

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.”

The match will not be broadcast.

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. Josh Canham – 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

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