TEAM NEWS: Junior Wallabies make five changes for final pool match

Wed, Jun 12, 2019, 6:37 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Joe Cotton will start against England. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Joe Cotton will start against England. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

The Junior Wallabies have made five changes to their starting side for their final World Rugby U20s pool match against England on Thursday morning (AEST).

Australia has already qualified for the semi-finals for the first time since 2011 after wins over Ireland and Italy but a win over England would give them crucial momentum for the semi-finals.

Nick Frost, who scored the try of the tournament so far in Australia's 45-17 win over Ireland, is one of three forwards moving into the starting XV for the clash, replacing Michael Wood in the starting side.

Hooker Joe Cotton and backrower Pat Tafa will also come into the starters for the clash.

Henry Robertson and Joey Walton are the new faces in the backs, replacing Michael McDonald and Semisi Tupou against England.

Junior Wallabies coach Jason Gilmore said they wouldn't be satisfied with two wins from three in their pool matches.

Australia's youngsters have not lost a match in 2019, after taking out the Oceania U20s tournament earlier this year in the lead-up to the World Rugby U20s.

"We wanted to get a clean sweep in our pool stage and we’ve said the whole time that winning is a habit," Gilmore said.

"The boys have got good momentum going at the moment and they're all behind it and we want to keep this momentum going into the semis.

“It's another Test match. It's a big one against England and the boys are really keen to play in this one."

England named their team earlier on Wednesday with Manu Vunipola, cousin of England Test duo Billy and Mako, starting at flyhalf.

The Junior Wallabies take on England on Thursday June 13 (AEST), kicking off at 4:30am AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Kayo Sports.

TEAM

Junior Wallabies to face England

1. Angus Bell, Sydney University

2. Joe Cotton, Wests Bulldogs

3. Josh Nasser, University of Queensland

4. Nick Frost, Queanbeyan Whites

5. Trevor Hosea, Harlequins Rugby Club

6. Harry Wilson, Brothers

7. Fraser McReight (c), Brothers

8. Pat Tafa, Northern Suburbs

9. Henry Robertson, Sydney University

10. Will Harrison, Randwick

11. Mark Nawaqanitawase, Eastwood

12. Noah Lolesio, Tuggeranong Vikings

13. Joey Walton, Gordon

14. Triston Reilly, AU7s/Randwick

15. Isaac Lucas, Sunnybank

Reserves

16. Bo Abra, Eastern Suburbs

17. Lachlan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings

18. Darcy Breen, Sydney University

19. Esei Ha’angana, Melbourne Unicorns

20. Carlo Tizzano, University of Western Australia

21. Michael Wood, Brothers

22. Will Harris, Eastern Suburbs

23. Rhys Van Nek, Easts

24. Michael McDonald, Palmyra

25. Ben Donaldson, Randwick

26. Kye Oates, University of Queensland

27. Semisi Tupou, Box Hill

28. Sione Tui, Melbourne Unicorns

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