The Australian U20’s takes on Japan at 3pm AEST today in round two of the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship as the young Australian side looks to continue their winning form in the competition.
Fresh from the 33-10 victory against Samoa on Saturday May 2, the squad has recovered and prepared for the mobile Japanese outfit who will be looking to bounce back strongly from their 75-0 defeat against New Zealand.
Australian Assistant Coach Shane Arnold believes the Japanese side will ask some serious questions of Australia’s defence.
“I think the Japanese team are very fast and they look very structured, so they definitely know where they are going”, Arnold said to ARU Media.
“From our point of view we are going to have to be really disciplined in our defence and make sure we are working in groups to stop their fast attack.
“Joey Fittoch brings a lot of energy and a lot of speed on the wing, if we can create some opportunities out wide we’re hoping Joey’s pace will be able to turn them into points.”
James Dalgleish who has been named captain of Australia for the match moves into flyhalf and Arnold believes he will bring a different type of game to Andrew Deegan who played flyhalf in game one.
“James plays a little different to Andrew, he’s probably more about taking the ball to the line. It will be a good competition between him and Andrew to see who gets the starting 10 position.”
The match will be live streamed through www.rugby.com.au, kicking off at 3pm AEST.
In the other match New Zealand will play traditional rivals Samoa at 1pm AEST.
Dalgleish Honoured by captaincy
Queenslander James Dalgleish has been named captain of the Australian U20’s to play Japan and is honoured by the opportunity to captain his country.
“I’m very excited and honoured to be given the captaincy for the match against Japan. The boys are very excited and we have prepared well.
“Japan will come out guns blazing. They have a very good set piece, play very fast ball and we know they are going to be physical.
“I’m looking forward to challenge. They have also got a few big ball runners so defence has got be key for us.”
Dalgleish has been named as starting flyhalf with Gold Coast local, Harry Nucifora playing scrumhalf.
