Australian U20s Coach Adrian Thompson has called on big-game experience for his side’s opening World Rugby U20s Championship fixture with Asteron Life Super Rugby squad members Lolo Fakaosilea, Campbell Magnay, Adam Korcyzk and Jonah Placid all named in the starting XV to face Samoa on Wednesday morning (June 3, 2.30am AEST).
The match held in Parma, Italy, is Australia’s first of three pool matches in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship where the team is aiming to improve on its fifth place finish in 2014.The World Championship includes the top 12 Rugby playing nations with Australia competing in Pool B alongside 2014 runners up South Africa, tournament hosts Italy and Samoa.
Australia U20s Head Coach, Adrian Thompson said: “Our Super Rugby players will give the side invaluable experience with Lolo Fakaosilea and Adam Korcyzk to give us an edge in the forwards.
“We have already seen what Samoa can do at the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship last month and we aware of the threat they pose across the park if we are not up to the challenge.
“We have had a really strong preparation for the tournament and we are looking forward to kicking off our campaign.”
Qantas Australian Sevens player Brad Wilkin was unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury incurred at the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship.
FOX SPORTS will broadcast the Australian U20s clash against Samoa LIVE on FOX SPORTS 1 at 2.30am (AEST) on Wednesday 3 June.
Australia U20s side to play Samoa:
1.Cameron Orr
2. Connal McInerney
3. Matt Sandell
4.Ned Hanigan
5.Lukan Lealaiauloto-Tui
6.Lolo Fakaosilea
7.Michael Gunn
8.Adam Korczyk
9.James Tuttle
10.Andrew Deegan
11.Andrew Kellaway (c)
12.Sione Tuipolotu
13.Campbell Magnay
14.Alex Newxome
15.Jonah Placid
Reserves:
16.Fereti Saaga
17.Folau Faingaa
18.Tyrell Lomax
19.Riley Winter
20.Sam Croke
21.Harry Nucifora
22.James Dalgleish
23.Duncan Paia’aua
Australia U20s Fixtures:
Wednesday 3rd June: Australia v Samoa, 2.30am (AEST) FOX SPORTS 1
Sunday 7th June: Australia v Italy, 4.30am (AEST) FOX SPORTS 3
Thursday, 11th June: Australia v South Africa, 4.30am (AEST) FOX SPORTS 2
