Australia A coach Jason Gilmore has named his 23-man squad for Friday's highly anticipated match against the Ikale Tahi in Nuku'alofa.

🔴LIVE🔴📺👉 Australia A vs Tonga rugby Live

🔴LIVE🔴📺👉 Australia A vs Tonga rugby Live

Local heroes Folau Fainga'a and Taniela Tupou will pack down together alongside Tom Lambert with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Caderyn Neville starting in the engine room.

Lachie Swinton, Brad Wilkin and Seru Uru form a potent back row partnership while veteran playmaker Bernard Foley has been named captain and will link up in the halves with Jake Gordon.

James O'Connor and Joey Walton will combine in the centres with Corey Toole, Lachie Anderson and Jock Campbell rounding out the backline.

Australia A coach Jason Gilmore was pleased to name such a strong side and said excitement was high ahead of Friday's clash.

"Preparation has been good, the boys have been excellent and I think we're looking pretty sound," Gilmore said.

"It's great to have a few of our Tongan boys like Nela and Folau over here with us - we had a great reception at the airport and we're looking forward to a really special game for all our boys, in particular those with Tongan heritage.

"We've got a lot of guys who have captained at Super Rugby level and a lot of natural leadership around the squad but we think Bernard is a great choice to lead.