Australia U20s named for inaugural TRC U20 clash with Argentina

Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 1:00 PM
Lachlan Grey

Nathan Grey has named his 23-man playing squad to face Argentina in Thursday’s U20 Rugby Championship opener.

Lock Toby Macpherson leads the side with vice-captain Ronan Leahy lining up at inside centre.

Catch every game of the inaugural TRC U20 LIVE and exclusive on Stan Sport.

Recent Super Rugby Pacific debutant Jack Barrett headlines a front row including Bryn Edwards and Tevita Alatini with Harvey Cordukes partnering Macpherson in the engine room.

Aussie Sevens prospect Aden Ekanayake joins Reds flanker Joe Liddy and Brumbies number eight Jack Harley in the back row.

In the backline, Force halfback Doug Philipson partners Rebels playmaker Joey Fowler in the halves with Jarrah McLeod outside Leahy in the centres.

Back three trio Xavier Rubens, Will McCulloch and Shane Wilcox round out the Australian starting line-up with Nathaniel Tiitii, Tavi Tuipulotu, Nick Bloomfield, Ben Daniels, Ben Di Staso, Hwi Sharples, Cullen Gray and Angus Staniforth named as finishers.

“We’re excited to see what these 23 young men bring to the gold jersey,” Grey said.

“This first game against Argentina is going to be a real challenge but we’ve prepared well.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to test new combinations and launch our TRC U20 campaign.”

Australia will face Argentina on Thursday 2 May at Sunshine Coast Stadium (7pm kick off).

The match will be shown live and exclusive on Stan Sport (Coverage 4:50 WST. NZ v SA at 2:50 on Stan).

Australia U20

1. Jack Barrett (Waratahs)
2. Bryn Edwards (Waratahs)
3. Tevita Alatini (Brumbies)
4. Toby Macpherson (Brumbies – captain)
5. Harvey Cordukes (Brumbies)
6. Aden Ekanayake (Waratahs)
7. Joe Liddy (Reds)
8. Jack Harley (Brumbies)
9. Doug Philipson (Force)
10. Joey Fowler (Rebels)
11. Xavier Rubens (Reds)
12. Ronan Leahy (Force – vice captain)
13. Jarrah McLeod (Brumbies)
14. Will McCulloch (Reds)
15. Shane Wilcox (Brumbies)

16. Nathaniel Tiitii (Waratahs)
17. Tavi Tuipulotu (Rebels)
18. Nick Bloomfield (Reds)
19. Ben Daniels (Reds)
20. Ben Di Staso (Waratahs)
21. Hwi Sharples (Waratahs)
22. Cullen Gray (Brumbies)
23. Angus Staniforth (Brumbies)

Interesting that Leahy is at 12. I didn't think his defence was up to scratch, but maybe it is better suited to that channel.

Edit- I incorrectly said coverage for both matches at 2:50 WST.
Is NZ V SA 2:50 WST and AU v AR 4:50 WST.
Original post updated.

NZ up by 3-0 at half time.
The ground is underwater, visible pools of water across much of the pitch at Kick Off, plus a very strong wind from right of screen, so a pretty grinding match.

Finshed NZ 13 SA 13 atrocious conditions remiscent of our Fiji debacle

13 all at Full Time.
Australia v Argentina starting directly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tazzmania

Finshed NZ 13 SA 13 atrocious conditions remiscent of our Fiji debacle

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That came to mind too Tazz, however, interestingly there was very little mud, the ground held up really well considering.
Even at match end the water looked pretty clean.

Half Time Argentina up 10-3

Argentina win 25-6.
Australia played some encouraging running Rugby, but that's about where it ended.
Accepting shocking conditions including torrential rain in the final quarter, Argentina had the same conditions and had the better approach through playing it tight and direct, classic "10 man Rugby".
Too many simple mistakes, arguably from lack of exposure to these conditions. I think 3, maybe 4 not straight throws.
Far too many kicks back to Argentina.
Will need a major improvement before taking on the Junior Boks.

A strong showing by Philipson at #9, but needs to stop box kicking, too much time hanging around White and Prior perhaps...

Leahy had a very good match in a defeated team, arguably Australia's best. He brings a hyperactive "bounce' to the field like a Kelpie pup and is definitely not afraid to mix it with the big boys upfront. Gained rare praise from Horton in commentary and I agree with him that Leahy has a long future in SR ahead (1. so long as he starts getting picked and 2. he doesn't get poached...) hopefully for the Force.

I don't know who won the toss, but I think you should always play into the wind first. Going into half time 10-3 down was disheartening. I think we were always going to struggle in those conditions, but far better to chase the game with the wind at your back.

yep,in those conditions play into the wind first.if you won the toss