The Waratahs U19s have made two changes to the starting line-up for their fixture against the Reds on Saturday in Roma (10AM kick-off AEST).
Following the 62-38 win against the Brumbies U19s in Bungendore last weekend, openside flanker Aston Weir and inside centre Josh Barr make their way into the side, replacing Cooper Green (missing through injury) and Ian Tunufa’i, who drops to the bench. Ilikaya Turagavukica shifts to number eight from last weekend.
Fly-half Jonty Fowler will be the captain on Saturday in the absence of Green, who led the side in Bungendore.
Head of Academy & Pathways Andrew Cleverley said the squad was excited to head to country Queensland to take on an U19s Reds side packed with talent.
“We are well aware of the challenge the Reds bring especially in front of a home crowd, naturally the boys are looking to perform and build on the success of last week's game,” Cleverley said.
“We have some key players that we expect to perform with Jonty Fowler and Charlie Galligan being two of many. Jonty is a country lad and he loves these environments, he needs to control our tempo and ensure we defend well.”
Southern Districts’ player Josh Barr pressed his case for selection with a try double against the Brumbies off the bench, while wing Tom O’Hara (Easts) and outside centre James Archer (Gordon) also crossed the whitewash twice in that game.
Narrabri-born Fowler, 19, featured for Australia U20s at the World Rugby Junior Championships in Georgia earlier this year and is the brother of first-team squad member Joey.
The fixture is part of the Santos Festival of Rugby, which has a packed schedule of interstate action on Saturday with the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds meeting across women's sevens, men’s U19s and women's XVs before the traditional foes meet in a men's Super Rugby AUS Round 2 clash.
A Vintage Reds frolic against the Roma Echidnas and a free coaching clinic will keep up the festive mood at Gallas Fox Park on Saturday.
Tickets for the Santos Festival of Rugby can be purchased here.
Reds U19s v Waratahs U19s
Saturday 19 September, 10AM kick-off AEST
Gallas Fox Park, Warrego Hwy, Roma, QLD 4455
Starting XV:
- Ethan Fulton - Manly
- Dylan Simmons - Manly
- Angus Hay - Manly
- Jack Lawrence - Easts
- Charlie Galligan (vc) - Manly
- Ed Baxter - Sydney Uni
- Aston Weir - Easts
- Ilikaya Turagavukica - West Harbour
- Flynn Farrell - Easts
- Jonty Fowler (c) - Easts
- Tom O'Hara – Easts
- Josh Barr – Southern Districts
- James Archer - Gordon
- Marlon Frost - Randwick
- Tyler Birnie - Gordon
Replacements:
16. Daniel Osborne - Sydney Uni
17. Tyson Burden - Randwick
18. Harry Davies - Randwick
19. Mostyn Bowen - Wildfires
20. Flynn Hardman - Norths
21. Matavius-James Petaia - Two Blues
22. Ian Tunufa’I – Manly
23. Harrison Dene - Warringah
24. Tom Hartman - Sydney Uni
