Wallaby Swain to lead Australia XV for Bristol clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: 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 nine Wallabies in the matchday 23.

The lock made his Wallabies debut in 2021, playing in every match during the victorious three-Test series over France. In 2022, he featured in a further seven Tests for his country.

Lachlan Lonergan continues his return from an ankle injury, named to start in the front row alongside Tom Lambert and 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.

Your Australia XV team to take on @BristolBears 🇦🇺#Wallabies #AustraliaXV pic.twitter.com/2he1NASsmM

— Wallabies (@wallabies) November 6, 2024

Reds workhorse Ryan Smith and 2024 Wallabies debutant 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 has 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: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Lachlan Anderson, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Hamish Stewart, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 John Bryant, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Darcy Swain (captain), 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Rhys van Nek, 2 Lachlan Lonergan, 1 Tom Lambert
Replacements: 16 Tom Horton, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Tiaan Tauakipulu, 19 Ryan Smith, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Ollie Sapsford, 23 Jock Campbell

Date: Friday, November 8
Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol
Kick-off: 19.45 GMT (06.45 Saturday, November 9 Australia time)