Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey admits he has a nice selection problem on his hands as his playmakers battle it out before this month's U20 World Championships.
Grey has kept the squad similar to the one that went to New Zealand and split the two-Test series, falling by a point last Saturday in Wellington.
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The inclusions have largely come from those currently involved within the Super programs, headlined by Reds flyhalf Tom Lynagh.
The 20-year-old has played an integral role in the Queensland Reds' finals push and looks set to start in Saturday's quarter-final against the Chiefs.
Whilst his Super season has been impressive, he won't walk into the starting side such is the form of fellow playmakers Jack Bowen and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
Bowen was exceptional for the Junior Wallabies in New Zealand, highlighted by a picture-perfect chip kick to centre Henry O'Donnell.
McLaughlin-Phillips meanwhile is likely being groomed to take control in 2024. The 19-year-old offers unique versatility for a ten, scoring a double for the Reds' on the wing during a pre-season trial against the Western Force whilst also filling in at fullback last weekend.
“(Harry) has been playing first grade football in Brisbane (for Souths) and playing very well,” Gray said.
“The three of those guys will be duking it out which is great. They play a similar style of footy which is how we want to play but it’s a great problem to have players of high quality.
“I think Tom (Lyngah) is starting this week against the Chiefs, starting in a Super Rugby quarter-final, pretty impressive. For Tom, it’s excellent that he’s had the opportunity to play Super Rugby and get that exposure and he’ll bring that skill set and experience into the squad.
“How that fits into our squad is really important. It’s a great selection issue to have and we’ll cross that bridge when we have to.”
Lynagh isn't the only Super Rugby player making the trip to South Africa, with Western Force prop Marley Pearce and Brumbies scrumhalf Klayon Thorn heading over as well.
Pearce has become a regular off the bench for the Force in 2023 and will take on a significant load next year without Tom Robertson.
Thorn forms a dangerous combination with captain Teddy Wilson, who comes into the Waratahs' squad for their quarter-finals against the Blues.
They join established Reds centre Taj Annan and Sevens star Darby Lancaster in a growing group of Junior Wallabies who have already stepped into the spotlight.
“It’s great. Those guys have been playing at a high level for a number of weeks at Super Rugby," Grey added.
“They’re only going to add to the quality of the players we have, which is great and learn quickly how we’re going to play.
“It’s a bonus to have those guys jump in and certainly earn their spot in the squad.”
JUNIOR WALLABIES SQUAD WORLD RUGBY U20 CHAMPIONSHIP 2023
Reds
Taj Annan (Souths)
Nick Baker (GPS)
Nick Bloomfield (Easts)
John Bryant (Souths)
Max Craig (Easts) - vice captain
Trevor King (Souths)
Tom Lynagh (UQ)
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Souths)
Tim Ryan (Brothers)
Harrison Usher (Bond)
Force
Ronan Leahy (Sydney Uni)
Jhy Legg (Wests Scarborough)
Marley Pearce (Joondalup Brothers)
Ned Slack-Smith (Palmyra) - vice captain
Brumbies
Liam Bowron (Royals)
Massimo De Lutiis (Wests)
Lachlan Hooper (Tuggeranong)
Toby Macpherson (Uni-Norths)
Klayton Thorn (Gungahlin)
Rebels
Mason Gordon (Wests Bulldogs)
Darby Lancaster
Daniel Maiava (Wyndham Rhinos)
Leafi Talataina (Endeavour Hills)
David Vaihu (Wests Bulldogs)
Waratahs
Jack Barrett (Randwick)
Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs)
Ollie McCrea (Eastern Suburbs)
Henry O'Donnell (Northern Suburbs)
Jackson Ropata (Southern Districts)
Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs) - captain
