Grealy to captain Junior Wallabies as they name side to face Fiji

Mon, Jul 4, 2022, 6:54 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Mac Grealy will captain the Junior Wallabies against Fiji. Photo: Oceania Rugby
Mac Grealy will captain the Junior Wallabies against Fiji. Photo: Oceania Rugby

The Junior Wallabies have confirmed their side to face Fiji in the U20 Oceania Championship.

Head coach Nathan Grey has made a number of changes after their narrow defeat to Argentina, naming Reds fullback Mac Grealy as captain as they prepare for three games in nine days.

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Grealy retains his spot at fullback, joined in the back three by Rebels winger David Vaihu and Sevens standout Ben Dowling.

Grey has named a brand-new front-row, with props Paddy Tagg and Siosifa Amone along with Reds hooker Max Craig elevated to the starting side after strong showings from the bench

Lopeti Faifua, who recently signed an extension with the Reds, is the lone remaining starter from the opening round defeat in the pack, partnering Force lock Connor Seve

Rebels backrower Zach Hough comes in for his first appearance for the Junior Wallabies, joined by Waratahs George Gibson and Mitch Watts.

Louis Werchon and Jack Bowen combine in the halves after coming on late during the Argentina defeat.

Force centre George Poolman and Reds centre Jayden Blake complete the starting side as they look to bounce back against a Fiji side that was defeated 74-5 by New Zealand.

Thomas Maka and Adrian Brown revert to a strong bench as finishers, joined by fellow Waratah Jamie Clark.

Force forward Luke Callan takes the vice captain from the bench, eager to make an impact alongside Rebels backrower Daniel Maiava.

Recent Waratahs debutant Teddy Wison gets his chance via the reserves, with the exciting duo of Lukas Ripley and Floyd Aubrey to provide some energy off the bench.

Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey said: “After a strong performance against Argentina, the team are eager to put together a positive outing against Fiji.

“We’ve added a few different players in from our last game on Friday and the coaching staff are very keen to see if they can make their claim to a permanent role in the starting 23.

“Fiji are always an exciting team to face and we’re expecting them to be ready to bounce back and give us a good challenge.”

The Junior Wallabies will play their second match of their Oceania U20 Championship campaign against Fiji on the Sunshine Coast at 4:00pm AEST on Tuesday 5 July and will be ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.

Junior Wallabies side to face Fiji

1. Paddy Tagg

2. Max Craig

3. Siosifa Amone

4. Connor Seve

5. Lopeti Faifua

6. George Gibson

7. Zac Hough

8. Mitch Watts

9. Louis Werchon

10. Jack Bowen

11. David Vaihu

12. George Poolman

13. Jayden Blake

14. Ben Dowling

15. Mac Grealy (C)

Reserves

16. Thomas Maka

17. Adrian Brown

18. Jamie Clark

19. Luke Callan (VC)

20. Daniel Maiava

21. Teddy Wilson

22. Lukas Ripley

23. Floyd Aubrey

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