20-year-old prospect to captain Waratahs in Super Rugby AUS opener

Former Australia U20 skipper Eamon Doyle will captain the NSW Waratahs during Super Rugby AUS, before getting the chance to debut at Super Rugby Pacific level. Doyle will lead the side out in their tournament opener, kicking off their title defence against the ACT Brumbies.

Doyle took on leadership responsibilities in the Shute Shield this season with Sydney University and is now set for another opportunity with the Tahs. The second-rower leads a side that includes capped Wallabies Miles Amatosero and Pete Samu.

Doyle starts in the second row alongside Amatosero, who debuted for the Wallabies during the July Nations Championship Tests. Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins and Edwin Langi round out the tight five as the front-row contingent.

Samu headlines the loose forwards trio, which includes Justice Taumoepeau and Marshall Le Maitre on the flanks. Isaac Kailea and Angus Scott-Young are among the forwards looking to make an impact off the bench.

In the backs, former Australia U20 captain Teddy Wilson partners Waratahs recruit Max Burey, who was last season named the Super Rugby AUS Player of the Tournament after guiding the Western Force to the Grand Final.

George Poolman partners Otto Serfontein in the midfield, while Freedom Vahaakolo lines up on one wing, just a week after winning the Shute Shield with Easts. Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong and Sid Harvey round out the back three.

“I found out on Monday in the car coming back from breakfast. Locky called me and he said they would like to name me captain – I was definitely surprised at first,” Doyle said.

“He reassured me that it’s a young squad and that’s all what Super Rugby AUS is about, giving young guys a go and it’ll be a good opportunity for me.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot being a captain before from both Australia U20s and club rugby, but they are two different things. At 20s, a lot of guys are obviously your age, whereas club rugby is more open.

“The most important thing about being captain is not worrying about what other people but just doing your job well and relying on having a group around you to support you and help you make the right decisions.”

The Waratahs take on the Brumbies in the opening round of Super Rugby AUS, kicking off at 2:00 pm AEST on Sunday afternoon in Bungendore.

NSW Waratahs to take on ACT Brumbies

1. Tom Lambert
2. Ethan Dobbins
3. Edwin Langi
4. Eamon Doyle (c)
5. Miles Amatosero
6. Justice Taumoepeau
7. Marshall Le Maitre
8. Pete Samu
9. Teddy Wilson
10. Max Burey
11. Freedom Vahaakolo
12. George Poolman
13. Otto Serfontein
14. Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong
15. Sid Harvey

 Replacements:

16. Oniti Finau

17. Isaac Kailea

18. Brady Dawson

19. Will Goddard

20. Tom Girle

21. Angus Scott-Young

22. Isaac Fonua

23. Angus Grover

24. Joe Dillon

25. Jack Hardy