Aus U20 team for Samoa clash
The Australian Under-20 has named their team for their opening Oceania Rugby Junior Championship match against Pacific heavyweights Samoa.
Head coach, Adrian Thompson was happy with the progression of his young charges in camp.
“The squad has already gelled together really well and we are looking forward to our first match against Samoa.
“The team we’ve picked has a lot of developing experience with Andrew Deegan to be our starting flyhalf after a successful tournament at the National U20’s Championship.
“We expect a tough physical battle up front from the Samoans and our forwards will need to be ready for that challenge.”
With injuries impacting the side heading into the tournament there has been some changes to the original squad with Harry Jones and Campbell Magnay succumbing to injury through Club Rugby.
Melbourne Rebels flyer Jonah Placid is currently unavailable due to a groin strain.
In the first match of the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship Japan will challenge New Zealand.
Australian Under-20: 15 Alex Newsome, 14 Christian Yassmin, 13 Andrew Kellaway (captain), 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Jack Redden, 10 Andrew Deegan, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Lolo Fakaosilea, 7 Michael Gunn, 6 Brad Wilkin, 5 Riley Winter, 4 Ned Hannigan, 3 Tyrell Lomax, 2 Connal McInerney, 1 Cameron Orr.
Replacements: 16 Folau Faingaa, 17 Aaron Pleash, 18 Fereti Saaga, 19 Lukhan Lealaiauloto-Tui, 20 Olly Kamp, 21 Harry Nucifora, 22 James Dalgleish, 23 Tyson Davis.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Venue: Bond University, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 15.00 (05.00 GMT)
Referee: Will Houston (Australia)
Assistant referees: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)