An all-Wallaby tight five will suit up for Australia A against an Eagles-heavy USA XV this weekend, with hooker Matt Faessler captaining the side. Another four Wallabies have been named in the matchday 23, including recent debutant Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.

Australia A coach Stephen Larkham has turned to some experienced campaigners in the front and second rows. Tom Robertson will pack down at loosehead, with Zane Nonggorr at tighthead prop, and Nick Frost will combine with Miles Amatosero as the two locks.

Fly-half Tane Edmed and winger Dylan Pietsch are the other Australia internationals named in the starting XV, while Kalani Thomas and McLaughlin-Phillips bring experience off the pine. ‘HMP’ debuted for the Wallabies last weekend in the 43-21 defeat to the All Blacks in Sydney.

Will Harris and Rory Scott start on a flank each, with Joe Brial completing the first-choice loose forwards trio at No. 9. Larkham has gone with a 5-3 bench split, with NSW Waratahs Super Rugby AUS captain Eamon Doyle providing backrow cover.

In-form Western Force scrum-half Nathan Hastie will link up with Tane Edmed in the halves, while David Feliuai lines up at inside centre. Kadin Pritchard is set for his first senior appearance in a gold jersey, selected at outside centre.

Pietsch and Tim Ryan are joined in the back three by fullback Mac Grealy. Thomas, McLaughlin-Phillips and Queensland Reds flyer Lachie Anderson are the three backs named in the replacements.

“As coaches, we think this team has a good mix of experienced Wallabies who can lead the way for some younger players who have earned the right to test themselves for the first time at international level,” Larkham said.

“Pulling on a gold jersey is always a special occasion and we’ve prepared well for what’s going to be a strong challenge against the Eagles on their home soil on Saturday.”

Australia A take on the USA XV in Nashville on Sunday morning AEDT, kicking off at 9:00 am AEDT.

Australia A to take on USA XV in Nashville

1. Tom Robertson (Western Force – Dubbo Roos)
2. Matt Faessler (c) (Queensland Reds – USQ Saints)
3. Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds – Gold Coast Eagles)
4. Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies – Hornsby Lions)
5. Miles Amatosero (NSW Waratahs – South Coogee Red Devils)
6. Will Harris (Western Force – Norths Pirates)
7. Rory Scott (ACT Brumbies – Canberra Royals)
8. Joe Brial (Queensland Reds – Easts (Sydney))
9. Nathan Hastie (Western Force – Wanneroo Rugby Club)
10. Tane Edmed (ACT Brumbies – West Harbour Juniors)
11. Dylan Pietsch (Western Force – Leeton Phantoms)
12. David Feliuai (ACT Brumbies – Sunnybank Dragons)
13. Kadin Pritchard (ACT Brumbies – Springfield Hawks)
14. Tim Ryan (Queensland Reds – Brothers Rugby)
15. Mac Grealy (Western Force – Souths Kookaburras Toowoomba)

Replacements

16. Ethan Dobbins (NSW Waratahs – Wests Bulldogs)
17. Tom Lambert (Queensland Reds – West Harbour Juniors)
18. Rhys Van Nek (ACT Brumbies – Easts Rugby (Brisbane))
19. Toby Macpherson (ACT Brumbies – Goondiwindi Junior Emus)
20. Eamon Doyle (NSW Waratahs – Woonona Shamrocks)
21. Kalani Thomas (Queensland Reds – Springfield Hawks)
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Western Force – Gunnedah Red Devils)
23. Lachie Anderson (Queensland Reds – Dural Rugby Club)