mens
international
Australia U18 captain Justice Taumoepeau will start at openside against the team New Zealand Schools in Hamilton this weekend, with coach Dale Roberson making some changes to the starting side that recently took to the field.
Taumoepeau led the under-18 side to a 54-31 victory against New Zealand Barbarians U18 on Wednesday afternoon. The full-back packed in at No.8 in that match but moves to the flank in place of Randwick’s Charlie Tanner.
Barker College’s Tahj Smith moves from blindside flanker to the back of the scrum, meaning Hunter Reich is now set for Australia’s first U18 blindside start. Another change was made, with Taj Scarr replacing Faf Krueger on one wing.
“We’re looking forward to another tough challenge against the New Zealand schools. We’ve had some great battles with them over the last few years and we know Sunday will be no different,” Roberson said.
“They are coming off a strong win over the Australian Schoolboys, so we have to be ready for the physicality they will present.”
Mark Falaniko-Peterson joins Oliver Smith and Isaiah Sheck up front, while the back row is made up of Queensland duo Harrison Asi and Jack Burton. Asi starred for Brisbane Boys’ College during the GPS season, while Burton represented Nudgee College.
Flynn Farrell joins Wilson Ruthven in the halves, while James Smith links up with vice-captain Taione Tak in the centres. Scarr and Aidan Wunsch will take their place on the wings, while full-back Jack Plamondon will also feature in the First XV.
Australia U18s will take on the New Zealand schools at St Paul’s College on Sunday, kicking off at 2.30pm AEDT.
Australia U18 will play NZ schools
1. Mark Frank-Peterson
2. Oliver Smith
3. Isaiah Sheck
4. Harrison Asi
5. Jack Burton
6. Hunter Reich
7. Justice Taumoepeau (c)
8. Tahj Smith
9. Flynn Farrell
10. Wilson Ruthven
11. That Scarr
12. James Smith
13. Taione Taka (you)
14. Aidan Wish
15. Jack Plamondon
Substitutions
16. Aiden Luke
17. Iliyaz Williams
18. Hasani Bloomfield
19. Jack Calleja
20. Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage
21. Isaac Holmes
22. Jack Proctor
23. Faf Krueger