The Australian U20’s will have their final hit out before next month’s World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy when they clash with the Australian Barbarians tomorrow night in Sydney.
Melbourne Rebels flier Jonah Placid will make his return from injury at fullback for the match, which kicks off at 7.30pm at Chatswood Oval.
Having re-gathered at the Sydney Academy of Sport at Narrabeen this week, the squad has been looking for structural improvements following its loss to New Zealand in the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship final.
The match will be the final opportunity for players to impress Head Coach Adrian Thompson before the team departs for the World Championship.
Australia been drawn alongside Samoa, host nation Italy and 2014 runners up South Africa in Pool B, with the tournament to kick off on Tuesday, June 2.
Thompson has been impressed with his side’s preparation throughout their Sydney camp:
“With our Super Rugby players Jonah Placid and Campbell Magnay having joined our camp it will give those guys an opportunity to have more game time with their Australian U20’s teammates and build our combinations.
“We are constantly looking to improve and the game against the Australian Barbarians will give us some more solid match preparation ahead of the World Championship”.
Australian U20’s side to play Australian Barbarians:
1.Cameron Orr
2.Folau Faingaa
3.Matt Sandell
4.Riley Winter
5.Lukhan Lealaialoto-Tui
6.Ned Hannigan
7.Michael Gunn
8.Adam Korczyk
9.James Tuttle
10.Andrew Deegan
11.Andrew Kellaway (c)
12.Sione Tuipolotu
13.Campbell Magnay
14.Alex Newsome
15.Jonah Placid
Reserves:
16.Aaron Pleash
17.Fereti Saaga
18.Tyrell Lomax
19.Sam Croke
20.Olly Kamp
21.Harry Nucifora
22.James Dalgleish
23.Tyson Davis
24.Duncan Paia-aua
25.Jack Redden
