Australia U20 make sweeping changes for Rugby Championship finale against Argentina

Fri, May 8, 2026, 12:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
South Africa and Australia face off in the Round 2 of the U20 Rugby Championship.

Australia U20 coach Chris Whitaker has made eight changes for Saturday's final U20 Rugby Championship match against Argentina.

Whitaker has responded following a thumping defeat to South Africa, who will face New Zealand to decide the champion.

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A near-brand-new backline has been named, with Leo Jacques and Taione Taka the only two retaining their spots.

Waratahs duo Sam Blank and Joey Fowler start in the halves, with Reds playmaker Finn Mackay ruled out with a tight hamstring.

Josh Takai partners Fowler in the centres, with the Reds star joining the squad recently after Frankie Goldsbrough's shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, Taka is joined in the outside backs by Cooper Watters and Chayse Geros, with Geros elevated from the bench to play fullback.

Waters starred in their narrow defeat to New Zealand; however, he faced a nervous wait after his red card was eventually reversed.

In the forwards, Kenneth Harris is the lone change to the starting team, swapping with Isaac Fonua.

On the bench, Charlie Holyman and Jasper Asi are set for their first appearances of the Rugby Championship.

Angus Grover, Riley Whitfeld and Louis Fenwicke serve as the backs replacements.

Australia can finish as high as second place with a win over the Pumitas and results going their way in the New Zealand v South Africa match.

Australia U20 team list v Argentina U20

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday 9 May at 10:00pm (AEST).

1. Jacob Job

2. Ewald Kruger 

3. Edwin Langi

4. Will Ross

5. Kenneth Harris

6. Luca Cleverley

7. Tom Robinson (c)

8. Eli Langi

9. Sam Blank

10. Jonty Fowler

11. Cooper Watters

12. Josh Takai

13. Leo Jaques

14. Taione Taka

15. Chayse Geros

Substitutes

16. Charlie Hollyman

17. Nick Hill

18. Jasper Asi

19. Isaac Fonua

20. Toby Brial

21. Angus Grover

22. Riley Whitfeld

23. Louis Fenwicke

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