What took so long?
It was sensational to see the English Rugby Football Union announce that England A will be playing Australia A later this year. If it was a week earlier, it would have coincided with Remembrance Day, what an event that would have been.
It is the latest in a number of strong fixtures which must be the start of increased exposure for fringe Wallaby players. Wales, Tonga, England A, Ulster and Bristol all provide key work outs.
Interestingly, we are also seeing fringe Super players join the NPC to get more game time. The Red’s 4th choice hooker, George Blake joining Matawatu being the latest example.
In any case, when announcing the November fixture the RFU noted that “The England A side provides a platform for players transitioning from the Gallagher Premiership and U20 level to the senior men’s team.”
Australia A will take on England A later this year and Joe Schmidt should select a Reds-heavy side. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
It will be some examination for Australia A given that the last time the English assembled a 2nd XV they defeated Portugal 91 v 5. That side contained the baby faced assassin Finn Baxter, who acquitted himself well on debut against the All Blacks this month.
If the RFU’s comments are anything to go by, the England A side will also probably contain a contingent from their U20 team, the one that just won the World Cup.
There will be a lot of interest in this match, make no mistake. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt and Rugby Australia performance director Peter Horne will be watching closely.
Luckily, Australia A promises to be a side capable of holding their own across the park. Schmidt will undoubtedly release some fringe Wallabies as well as take an opportunity to look at players who missed out all together on his squad.
I’ve selected an all Queensland tight 5. Matt Gibbon is now of course a Red and with James Slipper aging and Angus Bell fighting recurrent injuries, he needs to be tested at the next level just as Isaac Kailea and Alex Hodgman have been.
The surprise in the pack to some may be Richie Asiata at hooker. He was close to man of the match against Wales this month. As well as being a strong scrummager and proficient lineout thrower, he carried with real aggression. His confrontational style suits test Rugby. To me, a better option than the lighter Josh Nasser.
The back row is one picked primarily for its physicality but also balance. Tom Hooper provides a valuable third lineout option but also a strong presence at the breakdown, especially when joined by Carlo Tizzano and Langi Gleeson.
I am sure eyebrows will be raised by my selection of Louis Werchon at scrum-half. He possesses the best pass in Australian rugby and can no longer be ignored for higher honours.
If Werchon hasn’t caught Schmidt’s eye already it would be very surprising, particularly as he’s clearly caught Les Kiss’. It’s a matter of time until Tate McDermott’s starting spot at the Reds comes under threat. Werchon possesses McDermott’s running game but his service from the base of the ruck is unquestionably better.
Louis Werchon is a player on the rise in Australian rugby. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
While I was tempted to go with Hamish Stewart at inside centre, Lalakai Foketi provides Tom Lynagh with an all important pressure valve. It is difficult to think of any side at international level that doesn’t rely on the presence of a hard running 12. One will be needed on a cold November night in West London. Reds youngster, Dre Pakeho remains well behind Foketi in the pecking order.
These are exactly the sorts of games young Lynagh needs before he is thrown into the cauldron of a Rugby Championship or Lions Series.
Although I disagree, if you listen to some, Noah Lolesio was ruined by Dave Rennie starting him too early. Anyway, Lynagh’s upside, along with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips’, is higher than Tane Edmed’s. At least for the moment.
In fact, after the Reds game against Wales and ahead of their tour to England and Ireland in February, the Australia A match comes at the perfect juncture in the season for many up and comers.
My side is dominated by Reds, partly because of the exodus from the Rebels but mostly because Queensland deserve it.
Speaking of earning a spot, of course by the time this fixture rolls around, one Joseph Suaalii will be eligible to play. I could not bring myself to select him ahead of the likes of Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Corey Toole and Jock Campbell. His time will come but it shouldn’t be during this game.
My side to face England A at the Stoop in Twickenham on 17 November 2024:
1. Matt Gibbon
2. Richie Asiata
3. Zane Nonggor
4. Ryan Smith
5. Angus Blyth
6. Tom Hooper
7. Carlos Tizzano
8. Langi Gleeson
9. Louis Werchon
10. Tom Lynagh
11. Corey Toole
12. Lalakai Foketi
13. Josh Flook
14. Tim Ryan
15. Jock Campbell
16. Josh Nasser
17. Alex Hodgman
18. Harry Johnson-Holmes
19. Josh Canham
20. Joe Brial
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
23. Hamish Stewart
