Junior Wallabies coach Jason Gilmore has unveiled his first team of the year, as the Australians prepare to take on Fiji in their Oceania U20s Championship opener.
ACT halfback Ryan Lonergan was set to skipper the side that features plenty of fresh faces but a few familiar ones, too, but the nine was a late withdrawal on Friday, with muscle soreness.
Tate McDermott will start at halfback in Lonergan's place, for their Friday night clash.
Those familiar faces are largely in the backline, with Isaac Lucas and Len Ikitau named in the centres.
Rising Reds lock Angus Blyth has also been named in the second row, with teammate Tate McDermott to serve as Lonergan's deputy off the bench.
"Fiji will present a strong challenge first up for us and we know that they can attack from anywhere," Gilmore said.
"The team has prepared well for this tournament and there is excitement to start our 2018 season on the Gold Coast."
The Junior Wallabies take on Fiji U20s at Bond University on Friday, kicking off at 7pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on RUGBY.com.au.
TEAM
Junior Wallabies team to face Fiji
1. George Francis, Eastwood
2. Efi Maafu, Wests Bulldogs
3. Tom Ross, Gungahlin
4. Trevor Hosea, Harlequins
5. Angus Blyth, Bond University
6. Esei Haangana (vc), Melbourne Unicorns
7. Fraser McReight, Brothers
8. Patrick Tafa, Norths (Sydney)
9. Tate McDermott, University of Queensland
10. Lawson Creighton, Brothers
11. Matt McTaggart, Easts
12. Isaac Lucas, Sunnybank
13. Len Ikitau, Vikings
14. James Ramm, Randwick
15. Mac Hansen, Gungahlin
Reserves
16. Matt Faessler, Brothers
17. Charlie Hancock, Sydney University
18. Josh Nasser, University of Queensland
19. Hugh Margin, Gordon
20. Tom Kibble, GPS
21. Phoenix Hunt
22. Tony Hunt, Norths (Brisbane)
23. Tom Fuller, Randwick
