Written by Nathan Williamson on Nov 07, 2024 06:00 AM, courtesy of rugby.com.au Source article.
Darcy Swain will skipper Australia XV against Bristol. Photo: Getty Images
Western Force recruit Darcy Swain has been selected as captain of Australia XV for Saturday’s match against Bristol.
It comes as coach Rod Seib named Hamish Stewart to start at flyhalf, showcasing his versatility.
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Swain captained the ACT Brumbies earlier in the year against Moana Pasifika and will continue to show off his leadership capabilities in the non-televised hitout against the Bears.
Queensland Reds and four-cap Wallabies Josh Flook will serve as his deputy in the centres, one of nine capped Wallabies in the 23 alongside Swain.
This includes Stewart, who returns to the ten jersey after just three games since 2019 at Super Rugby level, with the likes of Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips joining the squad from Japan after Monday’s win with the Reds.
The former Red will partner his Force teammate Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, with Waratah Joey Walton named in the centres.
Brumbies hooker Lachlan Lonergan and NSW Waratahs loosehead Tom Lambert make their return from injury in the front row, joined by Rhys van Nek.
Wallaby Tom Hooper provides experience in the back row, joined by Rory Scott and John Bryant whilst Angus Blyth partners Swain in the second row.
Corey Toole will get his chance to impress on the wing, completing the starting side along with new Red Lachlan Anderson and Brumby Andy Muirhead.
On the bench, there are a duo of capped Wallabies that includes Luke Reimer and Jock Campbell.
It’s an all-Force replacement front-row with Tom Horton, Harry Hoopert and Tiaan Tauakipulu named as Ryan Lonergan, Ryan Smith and Ollie Sapsford round out the side.
“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,” Seib said in a statement.
“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
