mens
international
NSW Waratahs Prospect Pravda Taumoepeau led Australia U18s to a clinical 62-19 win over the Australian Schoolboys last week and the latter will once again take on the captaincy duties against New Zealand Barbarians U18.
Coach Dale Roberson has made three changes to the starting side ahead of the match at Hamilton on Wednesday afternoon. Faf Krueger starts on the wing, Mark Falaniko-Peterson is named at loosehead prop and Flynn Farrell is brought into the First XV at scrum-half.
Incredibly, Farrell was only called up to the squad last week but was promoted to the run-on side after scoring a try against the Schoolboys. Farrell will link up with Wilson Ruthven at fly-half, while Izak Holmes provides scrum-half cover from the bench.
James Smith combines with vice-captain Taione Taka in midfield, with Krueger and Aidan Wunsch on the wings. Jack Plamondon completes the backline after being retained at fullback.
Offensively, Falaniko-Peterson will pack forward alongside tight end Oliver Smith and tackle Isaiah Sheck. Brisbane Boys’ College’s Harrison Asi and Nudgee College’s Jack Burton will once again form their second-row pairing in Queensland.
Tahj Smith and Charlie Tanner will line up on either side of the scrum as the starting flanks, with Taumoepeau wearing the number 8 jersey. The match is scheduled for 12:30pm ET on Wednesday, with St Paul’s College hosting the game.
“We are excited to be in Hamilton and look forward to a competitive match against the Barbarians tomorrow,” said Coach Roberson.
“We want to build on the platform of our victory over the Australian Schoolboys, but we are aware that we will have to be prepared for the physical conflict of facing New Zealand team in NZ.”
Australia U18 national team will play against NZ Barbarians U18
1. Mark Frank-Peterson
2. Oliver Smith
3. Isaiah Sheck
4. Harrison Asi
5. Jack Burton
6. Tahj Smith
7. Charlie Tanner
8. Justice Taumoepeau (c)
9. Flynn Farrell
10. Wilson Ruthven
11. Faf Krueger
12. James Smith
13. Taione Taka (you)
14. Aidan Wish
15. Jack Plamondon
Substitutions
16. Aiden Luke
17. Iliyaz Williams
18. James Hannaford
19. Hasani Bloomfield
20. Jack Calleja
21. Isaac Holmes
22. Cooper Murray
23. That Scarr
24. Jack Proctor
25. Hunter Reich
26. Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage
