Fresh from getting his hands dirty at inside centre, league convert Timana Tahu will return to the wing when Australia A takes on Samoa in Apia on Sunday.

Tahu enjoyed the move closer to the action in Sunday's 42-21 Pacific Nations Cup win over Japan but Wallabies selectors have shown they still rate the former Kangaroos flyer a potential Test winger.

The selectors have forced a reshuffle of Phil Mooney's A-team backline with Tyrone Smith included at inside centre and Tahu pushed wide.

Smith, who enjoyed a strong first season with the Brumbies after making his own switch from league, is an uncompromising defender and powerful ball-runner but is a specialist centre.

Mooney and team manager Chris Webb said Tahu's move was as much about giving Smith a chance to play after he missed a start in the Japan clash.

Tahu was solid in his first game at inside centre - designed to ramp up his rugby development - savouring a rare 80-minute display following a frustrating debut Super 14 season which was ruined by hamstring troubles.

"He enjoyed getting some more touches on the ball," Webb said.

NSW flyhalf Daniel Halangahu moves into the playmaking hot seat after Ben Lucas hyper-extended his knee early in the six-try effort against the Cherry Blossoms.

Lucas has remained with the squad and is expected to be available to play Tonga next week, while Western Force hooker Tai McIsaac has returned home with a calf strain.

Halfback Patrick Phibbs has replaced Josh Holmes at No.9 while fellow Brumbies Al Campbell and Salesi Maafu will also start in the pack, along with Reds flanker Tasi Luafutu.

Mooney said the heavy travel schedule over the past seven days had made it necessary to rotate players.

"The team coped very well in Japan despite having to play with 13 players during the second half," Mooney said.

"We have shifted some players around and brought in others to keep the team fresh and give them all an opportunity to impress."

Australia A: Sam Norton-Knight, Mark Gerrard, Morgan Turinui (capt), Tyrone Smith, Timana Tahu, Daniel Halangahu, Patrick Phibbs; Julian Salvi, Matt Hodgson, Tasi Luafutu, Peter Kimlin, Al Campbell, Salesi Maafu, Sean Hardman, Pek Cowan. Res: John Ulugia, Guy Shepherdson, Van Humphries, Leroy Houston, Josh Holmes, Scott Daruda, Matt Carraro.

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