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Australia U18 side named for Australian Schools showdown in Sydney
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NSW Waratahs prospect Justice Taumoepeau and Australia U20 representative Taione Taka have been named in the Australia U18’s starting side, set to take on an Australian Schools team at Knox Grammar School this week.
Taka and Taumoepeau were both involved in the U20 set-up earlier this year, but are still eligible to play for the 18 side. Coach Dale Roberson has bestowed leadership duties on both players, with Taumoepeau taking charge as captain this week.
The U18 skipper starts at No. 8, joined in the backrow by flankers Tahj Smith and Charlie Tanner. Brisbane Boys’ College First XV standout Harrison Asi joins Nudgee College lock Jack Burton in the second row.
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Newington College stars Iliyaz Viliau and Isaiah Sheck will pack down in the front row, joined by hooker Oliver Smith. Nudgee College front-rower Aiden Luke is among the players providing both cover and impact off the bench.
Australia U16 graduates Izak Holmes and Wilson Ruthven have been named in the halves, while vice-captain Taka is 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, with the group creating connections on and off the field,” Australia U18 coach Dale Roberson said.
“We’re looking forward to sharpening our skills ahead of the tour to New Zealand and excited for the challenge of facing a tough Australian Schools team on Friday, where we will look to put in a strong performance.”
This match will be played at Knox Grammar School in Sydney on Friday afternoon, scheduled for a 2:05 pm (AEST) kick-off.
Australia U18 team to take on Australian Schools
1. Iliyaz Viliamu
2. Oliver Smith
3. Isaiah Sheck
4. Harrison Asi
5. Jack Burton
6. Tahj Smith
7. Charlie Tanner
8. Justice Taumoepeau (c)
9. Izak Holmes
10. Wilson Ruthven
11. Taj Scarr
12. James Smith
13. Taione Taka (vc)
14. Aidan Wunsch
15. Jack Plamondon
Replacements
16. Aiden Luke
17. Mark Falaniko-Brown Peterson-Patolo
18. James Hannaford
19. Hasani Bloomfield
20. Jack Calleja
21. Flynn Farrell
22. Cooper Murray
23. Faf Krueger
24. Finn Hannon
25. Hunter Reich
26. Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage
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