Making the legends of the game proud is the driving factor behind Australia U20s’ World Championship campaign as they prepare to travel to Italy.
The Australians will open their campaign on June 29 against South Africa, before facing Scotland (July 4) and England (July 10).
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Coach Chris Whitaker’s side is full of confidence after an unbeaten Rugby Championship tournament that included a victory over the Junior Springboks in South Africa.
Australia defied a 14-point deficit and a yellow card for the victory, epitomising the mantra of the team.
"It's all about pride, building pride in the jersey,” Whitaker told Rugby.com.au.
“It’s all about making your family and ex-Wallabies proud. It’s competing, being relentless and never giving up.
“We had a bit of a session here when we first got together with the leadership group then the rest of the players bought into it because it's their own idea and their own identity and it’s working well.”
Whitaker knows the task will be tougher against the Junior Springboks, who are set to welcome back a host of URC players, while the clash with defending champions England will likely decide the group.
But it’s the determination and spirit of the group that has the former Waratahs coach confident they can push any team they face in Italy.
“I think obviously we weren't happy we didn't win (the Rugby Championship), but they're a really motivated group of young players and that's probably the most pleasing thing, they're super determined,” Whittaker said.
“We need to be better than what we were at TRC for sure, but having those games under our belt and being a bit more comfortable with how we play is definitely going to help us.”
Whitaker was hopeful centre Dre Pakeho would join the group but injury has scuttled those plans.
Sevens breakout star Aden Ekanayake will be back, however, with Whitaker relishing his experience as the group prepares for a brutal schedule of five-day turnarounds.
“I think that's the biggest thing we'll get from him is the experience,” he added.
“The big thing we noticed from Sid Harvey (in the Rugby Championship) was just that maturity around the whole game preparation and how you prepare for games.”
