Playmakers Ben Donaldson and Michael McDonald have been handed the reins for the Junior Wallabies' clash against Fiji in their second Oceania U20 championship match on the Gold Coast.
The pair made their debuts off the bench against Japan in the tournament opener on Friday night but both will start against Fiji, with coach Jason Gilmore giving them plenty of time to show their wares as Australia hones its combinations ahead of the U20 world championships in Argentina in June.
West Australian product McDonald will captain the team, with regular leader Fraser McReight named on the bench.
"We wanted to give as many players as possible time in the first two games and then we'll have a look at it again," Gilmore said of the final match against New Zealand on Saturday night, the likely championship decider.
While first-game halves Henry Robertson and Will Harrison have been named on the bench, Reds utility Isaac Lucas has again been named at 15.
But Gilmore flagged a change at some stage if the Australians took control against Fiji.
"Zaccy played a lot of mintues in that first game against Japan too, so he'll get a bit of rest as well," he said.
Harrison was among the players to shine for Australia in the championship opener as he made a play for the flyhalf position ahead of the world junior championships.
"I thought the wingers (Triston Reilly and Mark Nawaqanitawase) and Will Harrison," Gilmore said when asked if anyone had particularly pleased him in the championship opener.
"I thought (Harrision) controlled the game really well.
"Especially after last year, coming off the bench, he's really keen to step up and make that no.10 his own.
"And the backrowers as well, they were very good."
Flanker McReight and Reds teammate Harry Wilson have been named on the bench for the Fiji clash, with Carlo Tizzano and Tom Kibble the starting breakaways for the Junior Wallabies.
Pat Tafa has been named at no.8, with Will Harris, who started against Japan, rested.
Gilmore said the Junior Wallabies were looking forward to a tough challenge against Fiji.
"We’re looking forward to taking on the challenge of a strong Fijian side who we know will play that expansive style of game," he said.
"They played a strong match against New Zealand and we’re expecting nothing less from them come Tuesday.
"There have been some changes in the squad following our match against Japan, so we’re excited to see how these new boys go tomorrow night."
Fiji lost 53-7 to New Zealand in the opening round but played almost the entire second half a man down after having a player sent off for a high tackle.
"I think you need to pay more attention to that first 40 minutes against New Zealand," Gilmore said of a match that was poised at 8-7 late in the opening half before New Zealand pushed out to 15-7 at the break.
"We know they'll come out hard, particularly after the second half against New Zealand."
The Junior Wallabies take on Fiji at Bond University on Tuesday, April 30, kicking off at 5pm, following the match between New Zealand and Japan from 3pm. Matches are streamed LIVE on RUGBY.com.au.
TEAMS
Junior Wallabies to take on Fiji
1. Egan Siggs, QLD
2. Joe Cotton, QLD
3. Darcy Breen, NSW
4. Max Douglas, NSW
5. Michael Wood, QLD
6. Tom Kibble, QLD
7. Carlo Tizzano, WA
8. Patrick Tafa, NSW
9. Michael McDonald ©, WA
10. Ben Donaldson, NSW
11. Byron Ralston, QLD
12. Kye Oates, QLD
13. Semisi Tupou, VIC
14. Sione Tui, VIC
15. Isaac Lucas, QLD
Reserves
16. Lachlan Lonergan, ACT
17. Bo Abra, NSW
18 Oliver Barden, NSW
19. Trevor Hosea, VIC
20. Fraser McReight, QLD
21. Henry Robertson, NSW
22. Will Harrison, NSW
23. Triston Reilly, AU7s
24. Josh Nasser, QLD
25. Harry Wilson, QLD
26. Nathan Lawson, NSW
27. Noah Lolesio, ACT
28. Mark Nawaqanitawase, NSW
