The Australian Barbarians will provide the Australian U20’s squad one final hit out tonight (Tuesday 19 May, 7.30pm) before they depart for Italy for the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Comprising of Premier Club Rugby players from across the country, the Barbarians will provide U20’s Head Coach Adrian Thompson the opportunity to refine some key combinations ahead of the tournament.
Former Australian U20’s players Tom Staniforth (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals) and Angus Pulver (Eastern Suburbs) know about the standards required from a World Championship having been a part of the Australian team that came fifth in 2015.
ARU Coach Development Programs Coordinator, Michael Magriplis has been given the role of guiding the Barbarians outfit and is looking forward to the challenge.
“It is a great honour for every player in this team to be a part of the tradition of Barbarians Rugby.
“This side will play to the highest standard possible to give the Australian U20’s the best preparation for the World Championship.
“Ultimately we are aiming to win the match and provide a great spectacle for fans at Chatswood Oval.”
Australian Barbarians team to play Australia U20’s:
1.Rory O’Connor (Warringah)
2.Billy Johnston (Alstonville)
3.Tobias Guikabau (Gordon)
4.Tom Staniforth (Canberra Royals)
5.Bradford Kapa (West Harbour)
6.Jason Havea (Penrith)
7.Katoni Ali (C) (Manly)
8.Nuku Swerling (Bond University)
9.Angus Pulver (Eastern Suburbs)
10.Mitch Walton (Norths)
11.Sam Hyne (Brothers)
12.Keith Morgan (Queenbeyan)
13.Dennis Pili-Gaitau (Manly)
14.Jack Creich (Eastern Suburbs)
15.David Feltscheer (Warringah)
Reserves:
16.Jake Lyon (Brothers)
17.Joel Whitlock (Eastwood)
18.Max Maa Nelson (Penrith)
19.Jake Douglas (Southern Districts)
20.Josh Vainikolo (Terrigal)
21.Michael Baysaat (Penrith)
22. Eli Senoti (Avondale)
23.Andrew Robinson (Tuggeranong Vikings)
What is the Australian Barbarians?
The Australian Barbarian Rugby Club was formed in 1956, along the same lines as the UK Barbarians. It is affiliated to the Australian Rugby Union, and works with the ARU in player and skills development.
The first match was against a combined Newcastle, NSW side and in 1957, the Club played the first of its international fixtures, with matches against New Zealand, New Zealand Maori, and Fiji.
The Barbarians objectives are:
To reward skill and ability as a rugby player, and true sportsmanship on and off the field.
To have players of significant standing and proven sportsmanship demonstrate the game in its true spirit without the need to compete for a place in a competition ladder.
