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Australia U18 side named for Barbarians challenge in New Zealand
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NSW Waratahs prospect Justice Taumoepeau led the Australia U18 to a clinical 62-19 win over an Australian Schoolboys side last week, and the backrower will again take on captaincy duties in a clash with the New Zealand Barbarians U18.
Coach Dale Roberson made three changes to the starting side ahead of the match in Hamilton on Wednesday afternoon. Faf Krueger starts on the wing, Mark Falaniko-Peterson has been named at loosehead prop, and Flynn Farrell has been brought into the First XV at scrum-half.
Incredibly, Farrell was only called into the squad last week, but has been promoted to the run-on side after a try-scoring effort against the Schoolboys. Farrell will link up with Wilson Ruthven in the halves, while Izak Holmes provides scrum-half cover off the bench.
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James Smith combines with vice-captain Taione Taka in the midfield, with Krueger and Aidan Wunsch lining up out-wide on the wings. Jack Plamondon completes the backline after being retained at fullback.
In the forwards, Falaniko-Peterson will pack down up front alongside hooker Oliver Smith and tighthead prop Isaiah Sheck. Brisbane Boys’ College’s Harrison Asi and Jack Burton from Nudgee College will form their all-Queensland second-row pairing once again.
Tahj Smith and Charlie Tanner will pack down on either side of the scrum as the starting flankers, with Taumoepeau set to wear the No. 8 jersey. This match is scheduled for a 12:30 pm AEST kick-off on Wednesday, with St Paul’s College hosting the fixture.
“We’re excited to be in Hamilton and are expecting a competitive match against the Barbarians tomorrow,” coach Roberson said.
“We are looking to build off the platform of our win over the Australian Schoolboys, but we are aware that we will have to be up for the physical confrontation of facing a New Zealand team in NZ.”
Australia U18 team to take on NZ Barbarians U18
1. Mark Falaniko-Peterson
2. Oliver Smith
3. Isaiah Sheck
4. Harrison Asi
5. Jack Burton
6. Tahj Smith
7. Charlie Tanner
8. Justice Taumoepeau (c)
9. Flynn Farrell
10. Wilson Ruthven
11. Faf Krueger
12. James Smith
13. Taione Taka (vc)
14. Aidan Wunsch
15. Jack Plamondon
Replacements
16. Aiden Luke
17. Iliyaz Viliamu
18. James Hannaford
19. Hasani Bloomfield
20. Jack Calleja
21. Izak Holmes
22. Cooper Murray
23. Taj Scarr
24. Jack Proctor
25. Hunter Reich
26. Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage
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