Jason Gilmore and Australia A are out to start their three-match tour of Japan strong as players look to make their mark before the Spring Tour.
Gilmore has named a strong line-up for Saturday's opener in Tokyo, with eight capped Wallabies named in the starting side.
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“We’ve gone with a really strong team in game one, we want to get the tour off to a strong start,” Gilmore told reporters.
“We’ve got a lot of those Wallabies boys back so it’s a good opportunity for them to get some good game time.
“Spring Tour selection is important for a fair chuck of this squad so this tour is important for success but also to get selection off the back of playing well.”
The tour will give a number of Wallabies hopefuls crucial game time before a jam-packed end-of-season tour, headlined by Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu.
With Marika Koroibete set to miss the end-of-season tour, returning to his Japanese club, Gilmore was excited about what the exciting winger can bring to the squad.
“He is super excited. I have had a couple of chats with him just about how he is going to approach the trip so he is just keen to play,” Gilmore said.
“For him to get selection in the Wallabies, he just has to get minutes under his belt.
“He’s obviously had an interrupted program in Super with injuries and the like, and he has been in camps and training a lot, but he just needs to play.
“We’re going to give him three opportunities playing big minutes, put some confidence in him because I firmly believe he’s one of the best wingers in the country in either code.
“We’re pretty fortunate to have him and want to use him well.”
After a relatively successful Pacific Nations Cup, finishing second after a slow start, they face a fresh challenge in a new environment.
Michael Leitch headlines a strong Japan XV, with just two players without International experience as they prepare to face New Zealand, England and France.
It's a challenge Gilmore is embracing, believing tours such as this provide invaluable experience to help fast-track development with no second-tier competition.
“If you look at the four countries we’ve played, they all offer something different,” Gilmore explained.
“Playing Japan in a different country is going to very different so the more experience and exposure we give these up-and coming-guys to different styles, that aids in their development.
“That makes up the difference between training all the time to put a game program together.”
Gilmore also confirmed Tom Banks will be used in some capacity over the final two Tests, continuing his recovery from a broken arm.
