Australia U18 captain shifts positions for New Zealand Schools match

Australia U18 captain Justice Taumoepeau will start at openside flanker against the New Zealand Schools in Hamilton this weekend, with coach Dale Roberson making some changes to the starting side that recently took the field.

Taumoepeau led the Under-18s side to a 54-31 win against the New Zealand Barbarians U18s on Wednesday afternoon. The backrower packed down at No. 8 in that fixture, but shifts 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, which means Hunter Reich is now set for a maiden Australia U18 start at blindside. There has been one other change, 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 great battles with them over the last few years and we know Sunday won’t be any different,” Roberson said.

“They are coming off a strong win over the Australian Schoolboys, so we must be ready for the physicality that they will present.”

Mark Falaniko-Peterson joins Oliver Smith and Isaiah Sheck up front, while the second-row is made up of the all-Queensland duo of 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 Taka in the centres. Scarr and Aidan Wunsch will take their place on the wings, with fullback Jack Plamondon also featuring in the First XV.

Australia U18 will take on the New Zealand Schools at St Paul’s College on Sunday, kicking off at 2:30 pm AEDT.

Australia U18 to take on NZ Schools

1. Mark Falaniko-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. Taj Scarr

12. James Smith

13. Taione Taka (vc)

14. Aidan Wunsch

15. Jack Plamondon

Replacements

16. Aiden Luke

17. Iliyaz Viliamu

18. Hasani Bloomfield

19. Jack Calleja

20. Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage

21. Izak Holmes

22. Jack Proctor

23. Faf Krueger