Aussie U20s embracing new intensity

New Australia U20s coach Simon Cron has brought a new intensity to the national program and flanker Angus Scott-Young hopes the side embraces it.

Cron’s approach has had success in the Shute Shield, with the Kiwi leading Norths to their first premiership in 41 years last season.

Scott-Young is one of seven of last year’s World Championship squad to return this season and said he’d already noticed a new focus among the group.

“Cronno coming in as head coach, he’s changed the vibe around the place a little bit,” he said.

“He’s a lot more intense and he’s really passionate about the game. Hopefully he can bring that new energy to the team and revamp us.”

Scott-Young said he felt the next step was having the players take on Cron’s approach.

“Funnily enough, we just had a meeting about team culture just then,” he said.

“There was a few words we put up there, a few values and beliefs we’re trying to drill into this team.

“The boys seem really energetic towards those values, so hopefully they can instil in us.”

The Aussies play their first Oceania Championship match on Friday night, against Samoa.

“We anticipate they’re going to be a big tough physical team, so we’ll obviously have to play to our strengths,” he said.

“It’ll be a good clash this week.”

FIXTURES

2017 Oceania Rugby U20s Championship

Round 1, Friday April 28

New Zealand vs Fiji, 5pm AEST

Australia vs Samoa, 7pm AEST

Round 2, Tuesday May 2

New Zealand vs Samoa, 3pm AEST

Australia vs Fiji, 5pm AEST

Round 3, Saturday May 6

Samoa vs Fiji, 5pm AEST

Australia vs New Zealand, 7pm AEST