Annan returns as Junior Wallabies prepare for trans-Tasman 'decider' with New Zealand U20s

Fri, Jul 7, 2023, 9:33 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Taj Annan returns for the Junior Wallabies against New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
Taj Annan returns for the Junior Wallabies against New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images

The Junior Wallabies have been boosted by the return of Reds centre Taj Annan as they prepare for a trans-Tasman 'decider' against the New Zealand U20s at the U20 Championships.

Annan returns at inside centre for the fifth-eighth place playoff after missing the draw to England due to illness.

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He is joined by Reds playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who swaps with Mason Gordon as he slots into fullback.

Western Force prop Marley Pearce also returns via the bench, serving his two match suspension.

"It's exciting for those guys to put on the jersey again and add to it," Grey told reporters.

"They've been training real and everyone of the 30 have been contributing well so they get the chance and they'll be chomping at the bit to do so.

"Harry's been in the squad and the whole time as that 10-15 cover and he performed really well off the bench against England and he's earned his spot."

The match serves as a decider of sorts for the two teams, with the winning claiming bragging rights as they split their two-match series last month.

The Australians took the opening match in Wellington before the Kiwis rebounded for a 19-18 win.

"We've got one each so we're going into the decider around that dominance," Grey added.

"It's part of the contest which is good and we know they're a solid side. They have strike weapons across the park so we're really looking forward to the opportunity.

"When we found out we were playing them, the guys got focused really quickly and the mood in the group has been outstanding."

Junior Wallabies vs. New Zealand U20

Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town, 2pm SAST (10pm AEST) Sunday 1. Jack Barrett (NSW Waratahs, Randwick)

2. Max Craig (QLD Reds, Easts Tigers)

3. Nick Bloomfield (QLD Reds, Easts Tigers)

4. Toby Macpherson (ACT Brumbies, Uni-Norths Owls)

5. Daniel Maiava-Tapusoa (Melbourne Rebels, Wests Bulldogs)

6. Lachlan Hooper (ACT Brumbies, Vikings Rugby)

7. Nick Baker (QLD Reds, GPS Rugby Club)

8. Leafi Heka Talataina (Melbourne Rebels, Endeavour Hills)

9. Teddy Wilson (c) (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

10. Jack Bowen (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

11. Ronan Leahy (Western Force, Sydney University)

12. Taj Annan (QLD Reds, Souths Magpies)

13. Henry O'Donnell (NSW Waratahs, Northern Suburbs)

14. Tim Ryan (QLD Reds, Brothers Rugby Club)

15. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (QLD Reds, Souths Magpies)

Reserves

16. Liam Bowron (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals)

17. Marley Pearce (Western Force, Joondalup Brothers)

18. Trevor King (QLD Reds, Souths Magpies)

19. Ollie McCrea (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

20. John Bryant (QLD Reds, Souths Magpies)

21. Klayton Thorn (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)

22. Mason Gordon (Melbourne Rebels, Wests Bulldogs)

23. David Vaihu (Melbourne Rebels, Wests Bulldogs)

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