The Australian Under 20s side which will take on England this Friday in the IRB Junior World Championship has been announced by Head Coach Adrian Thompson.
The National Under 20s will go into their match against England, who are the defending IRB Junior World Champions, with five straight victories for 2014, the most recent being their win over Argentina (36-17) in the opening round of the competition.
It was the first victory for the Australian side against Argentina in three matches.
Australian Head Coach Adrian Thompson has made just one change to his side with ACT Brumbies player, Tom Staniforth returning from an ankle injury.
The tall second rower had been sidelined by the injury during the Under 20s training camp and will bolster the already dominant Australian forward pack.
“Bringing Tom straight back into the starting line-up is going to do great things for our already solid pack,” Thompson said.
“Our guys really showed the hard work we have done on scrums against Argentina as we dominated their pack, but the challenge against England is going to be difficult.
“We know England’s pack is quite strong and bringing in Tom with his Super Rugby experience will add to our depth.
“Taking on last year’s Champions is not going to be easy, however I am confident the side we have selected will be able to account for England.”
Australia plays England this Friday 6 June at 3.35pm AEST. The match will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS.
Australian Under 20s:
1. Rory O’Connor
2. Harry Scoble
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Matt Philip
5. Tom Staniforth
6. Sean McMahon (c)
7. Rowan Perry
8. Ross Haylett-Petty
9. Joe Powell
10. Jake McIntyre
11. Andrew Kellaway
12. Jimmy Stewart
13. Lalakai Foketi
14. Brad Lacey
15. Jonah Placid
Reserves:
16. Feliti Kaitu’u
17. Cameron Orr
18. Tom Robertson
19. Jack Payne
20. Jack Dempsey
21. Angus Pulver
22. David Horwitz
23. Luke Burton
