mens
international
NSW Waratahs prospect Justice Taumoepeau and Australia U20 international Taione Taka has been named in the Australian U18 starting squad, which will take on the Australian Schools team at Knox Gymnasium this week.
Taka and Taumoepeau were both included in the U20 squad earlier this year but are still eligible to play for the 18 team. Coach Dale Roberson has given leadership duties to both players, with Taumoepeau taking over as captain this week.
The U18 skipper starts at number 8 and is joined in the back line by flankers Tahj Smith and Charlie Tanner. Brisbane Boys’ College First XV standout Harrison Asa joins Nudgee College lock Jack Burton in the second row.
Newington College stars Iliyaz Viliau and Isaiah Sheck will pack in the front row, joined by hottie Oliver Smith. Nudgee College front rower Aiden Luke is among the players providing coverage and kicking off the bench.
Australia U16 graduates Izak Holmes and Wilson Ruthven were named in the halves, while vice-captain Taka was joined by James Smith in the centres. Taj Scarr and Aiden Wunsch are the first-choice wingers, with fullback Jack Plamondon rounding out the back three.
“We’ve had a great first week in camp here in Sydney and the group has been bonding on and off the field,” Australia U18 coach Dale Roberson said.
“We are looking forward to sharpening our skills before the tour New Zealand and excited for the challenge of facing a tough Australian Schools team on Friday, where we will be looking to put in a strong performance.”
This match will be played at Knox Gymnasium in Sydney on Friday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 14:05 (AEST).
The Australian U18 team will compete against the Australian Schools
1. Iliyaz Williams
2. Oliver Smith
3. Isaiah Sheck
4. Harrison Asi
5. Jack Burton
6. Tahj Smith
7. Charlie Tanner
8. Justice Taumoepeau (c)
9. Isaac Holmes
10. Wilson Ruthven
11. That Scarr
12. James Smith
13. Taione Taka (you)
14. Aidan Wish
15. Jack Plamondon
Substitutions
16. Aiden Luke
17. Mark Franiko-Brown Peterson-Patolo
18. James Hannaford
19. Hasani Bloomfield
20. Jack Calleja
21. Flynn Farrell
22. Cooper Murray
23. Faf Krueger
24. Find Hannon
25. Hunter Reich
26. Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage