Australia A A-head coach Stephen Larkham has handed cross-code star Zac Lomax his first crack in the gold jersey in a heavily rotated side to play the USA.

Coming off a 61-12 win in Nashville, Larkham has switched up his starting halves combination for the New Jersey sequel, throwing Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips into the starting XV and naming Lomax alongside Kadin Pritchard in the midfield. Lachie Anderson, Corey Toole and Mac Grealy will run out as the starting outside backs. 

Up front, Tom Lambert is joined by Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr to comprise an all-Reds front row, with Nick Frost and Toby Macpherson in the second row. Willem Harris, Luke Reimer and Joe Brial make up the loose forwards trio.

“This tour has required a whole squad effort, and it’s pleasing for everyone to earn their opportunity to perform in the gold jersey,” Larkham said.

“The Eagles are a proud team. We are expecting a strong response this week, which means we must be at our best to ensure we reach our own expectations and finish the tour on a positive note.”

Australia A team to play the Eagles

1.    Tom Lambert (Queensland Reds – West Harbour Juniors)
2.    Matt Faessler (c) (Queensland Reds – USQ Saints)
3.    Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds – Gold Coast Eagles)
4.    Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies – Hornsby Lions)
5.    Toby Macpherson (ACT Brumbies – Goondiwindi Junior Emus)
6.    Will Harris (Western Force – Norths Pirates)
7.    Luke Reimer (NSW Waratahs – Lindfield Junior Rugby Club)
8.    Joe Brial (Queensland Reds – Easts (Sydney))
9.    Kalani Thomas (Queensland Reds – Springfield Hawks)
10.    Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Western Force – Gunnedah Red Devils)
11.    Lachie Anderson (Queensland Reds – Dural Rugby Club)
12.    Kadin Pritchard (ACT Brumbies – Springfield Hawks)
13.    Zac Lomax (Western Force – Temora Tuckers)
14.    Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies – Wagga Crows)
15.    Mac Grealy (Western Force – Souths Kookaburras Toowoomba)

Substitutes

16.    Lachlan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies – Tuggeranong Vikings)
17.    Lington Ieli (ACT Brumbies – Brisbane Boys’ College)
18.    Edwin Langi (NSW Waratahs – Drummoyne Dirty Reds)
19.    Eamon Doyle (NSW Waratahs – Woonona Shamrocks)
20.    Rory Scott (ACT Brumbies – Canberra Royals)
21.    Nathan Hastie (Western Force – Wanneroo Rugby Club)
22.    Tane Edmed (ACT Brumbies – West Harbour Juniors)
23.    Tim Ryan (Queensland Reds – Brothers Rugby