Australia U20s turn to Vunipola, Sharples for fifth-place England Final

Fri, Jul 18, 2025, 12:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Hwi Sharples returns in the Australia U20 starting side. Photo: World Rugby
Hwi Sharples returns in the Australia U20 starting side. Photo: World Rugby

Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker has called on Mako Vunipola to start against England as they battle for fifth place.

The surname Vunipola has terrorised Australian Rugby in recent memories, with the likes of Billy and Mako becoming synonymous with the English team.

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However, younger brother Mako will start for the first time in the gold jersey against the English in Rovigo.

In further changes to the tight five, Lipina Ata returns to the starting side at hooker, with Edwin Langi the other prop.

Ollie Aylmer starts at lock alongside Eamon Doyle, who retains the captaincy as he has throughout the tournament.

There is one change to the starting backline, with Hwi Sharples partnering with Joey Fowler in the halves.

This sees James Martens revert to the bench, with Joe Dillon and Xavier Rubens among the finishers.

Reds star Dre Pakeho remains in the centres after making his Australia U20s debut last match.

Brumbies star Beau Morrison returns to the bench, with Ollie Barrett, Nate Tititi and Joe Mangelsdorf set to come off the game.

The two teams met during the pool stage of the tournament when a late English penalty goal saw them secure a dramatic 36-33 victory.

The U20 Championship Final between New Zealand and South Africa will be played in Rovigo immediately following the fifth place play-off.

Australia U20 vs England U20

2am AEST Sunday 20 July (6pm Saturday 19 July local)

Stadio Mario Battaglini, Rovigo

1. Lotu Vunipola (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

2. Lipina Ata (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)

3. Edwin Langi (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

4. Ollie Aylmer (ACT Brumbies, Gordon)

5. Eamon Doyle (c) (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

6. Eli Langi (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)

7. Aden Ekanayake (Australia Sevens)

8. Toby Brial (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

9. Hwi Sharples (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

10. Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

11. Shane Wilcox (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)

12. Malakye Enasio (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)

13. Dre Pakeho (Queensland Reds, Brothers)

14. Cooper Watters (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

15. Sid Harvey (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

Replacements

16. Ollie Barrett (Western Force, Associates RUFC)

17. Nathaniel Tiitii (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

18. Trevor King (Queensland Reds, Souths)

19. Joe Mangelsdorf (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

20. Beau Morrison (ACT Brumbies, Sydney University)

21. James Martens (Queensland Reds, GPS Rugby Club)

22. Joe Dillon (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals)

23. Xavier Rubens (Queensland Reds, Souths)

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