Australian Under 20s coach Adrian Thompson has named his side to face New Zealand, with four changes to the starting side that lost 19-15 to Ireland in their opening match of the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship.
Thompson has made two changes in the pack and two in the backs, as his side looks to get its campaign back on track against New Zealand at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes in France this Monday at 4:45am (AEST).
In the front row, loosehead Silatolu Latu, hooker Maile Ngauamo and tightead Oliver Hoskins all retain their spots.
In the second row, Ofiu Manukeu-Archibald replaces Senio Toleafoa, while Tom Staniforth retains his sport.
There is one shuffle in the back row, with Michael Wells moved to the bench and captain Curtis Browning shifting to blindside flanker to make way for Patrick Sio at Number 8. Jack Dempsey remains at openside flanker.
Ben Meehan remains at starting scrumhalf, while Jake McIntyre moves to the bench, with Reece Hodge starting at flyhalf.
In the centres, Henry Taefu replaces Ulupano Seuteni to join Lalakai Foketi, who starts in his second game of the tournament.
The back three remains unchanged, with Alex Northam at blind wing, Harry Parker at open and Jonah Placid at fullback.
Thompson has chosen a five-three split on the bench. Hooker Andrew Ready is joined by 2012 Australian Under-20 props Pettowa Paraka and Allan Alaalatoa as front row replacements.
New South Wales Schools 2012 loose forward Ofiu Manukeu-Archibald and Patrick Sio, brother of Brumbies prop Scott, round out the forward replacements.
Backing up at scrumhalf is Waldo Wessels, who won a Bronze medal as part of Australia’s Youth Commonwealth Games Sevens side in 2011. He is joined by utility back Luke Burton, a former West Australian Schoolboys rep, and Queensland Schoolboys centre Henry Taefu.
Thompson said the team need to learn from their opening match against Ireland.
“The effort was great but we need to play a lot smarter.
“Obviously New Zealand are a good team with plenty of Super Rugby experience so we need to deny them time and space and play better field position,” Thompson said.
The Australian Under 20s face New Zealand on Monday 10 June at 4:45am (AEST).
The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1HD, with coverage starting at 4:30am.
All of Australia’s pool games are also available to stream live at www.irb.com.
Australian Under 20s v New Zealand
Click to view Australian Under-20 bios online
Name
State
Club
1
Silatolu Latu
NSW
Sydney University
2
Maile Ngauamo
QLD
Sunnybank
3
Oliver Hoskins
WA
Cottesloe
4
Ofiu Manukeu-Archibald
NSW
West Harbour
5
Tom Staniforth
ACT
Royals
6
Curtis Browning (c)
QLD
University of Queensland
7
Jack Dempsey
NSW
Gordon
8
Patrick Sio
NSW
Northern Suburbs
9
Ben Meehan
QLD
Sunnybank
10
Reece Hodge
NSW
Manly
11
Alex Northam
NSW
Manly
12
Henry Taefu
QLD
Sunnybank
13
Lalakai Foketi
NSW
Manly
14
Harry Parker
QLD
University of Queensland
15
Jonah Placid
QLD
Easts
16
Andrew Ready
QLD
Easts
17
Phil Kite
QLD
GPS Old Boys
18
Allan Alaalatoa
NSW
Southern Districts
19
Michael Wells
NSW
Northern Suburbs
20
Mark Baldwin
NSW
Randwick
21
Waldo Wessels
NSW
Southern Districts
22
Jake McIntyre
NSW
Sunnybank
23
Luke Burton
WA
University RC WA
Australian Under-20 IRB Junior World Championship draw
Date
Opponent
Location
6 June, 2:45am (AEST)
V Ireland (L 19-15)
Stade de la Rabine in Vannes
10 June, 4:45am (AEST)
V New Zealand
Stade de la Rabine in Vannes
14 June, 4:45am (AEST)
V Fiji
Stade de la Rabine in Vannes
