Australia U20s won’t be daunted by the size of South Africa’s pack heading into Tuesday night’s TRC U20 clash on the Sunshine Coast.
The Junior Springboks impressed at scrum time during a 13-all draw with New Zealand last week and will look to target Nathan Grey’s side after the Aussies conceded five scrum penalties in their 25-6 loss to Argentina.
Catch all the action from TRC U20 LIVE and exclusive on Stan Sport. But with conditions clearing on the Sunshine Coast and 10 changes to Australia's starting line up, flanker Aden Ekanayake believes his side can up the tempo and take the fight to South Africa.
“We’re a pretty skillful team that likes to play a style of footy where we throw the long passes. It won’t just be around the corner stuff,” Ekanayake told rugby.com.au
“South Africa will definitely be a challenge. They’re a quality team with big boys but we’ve got big boys as well … and I definitely think we have the crop to give the World Cup and the rest of these games a red-hot crack.”
A product of Barker College and Gordon Rugby Club, Ekanayake has enjoyed a breakout 12 months featuring game time with the Aussie Sevens and a stint as Australian Schools & 18s skipper.
“Sevens is always fun and but it’s always good to get back into 15s, especially representing your country,” Ekanayake said.
“The professionalism and training load is insane at Sevens and it’s a big toll on the body … but the way the boys carry themselves and the standards they set is something I’ve definitely taken across into 15s.”
Australia U20s kick off against the Junior Springboks at 7pm AEST on Tuesday 7 May live and exclusive on Stan Sport.
Admission to Sunshine Coast Stadium is free with TRC U20 games commencing at 5pm AEST (New Zealand v Argentina).
