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Australia U20 reshuffle side for final-round Argentina clash

Australia National Anthem during the U20 Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images)
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Australia U20 coach Chris Whitaker has made eight changes to the side that fell to 2026 Rugby Championship winners South Africa U20 last week, looking to end their tournament on a winning note against Argentina U20.

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Tournament hosts South Africa are leading the title race with one round left, defeating the Aussies 56-17 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The Aussies can finish as high as second with a win over Argentina, but only if New Zealand fail to secure a bonus point against South Africa.

Kenneth Harris comes into the run-on side at lock, with Isaac Fonua moving to the bench. That is the only change to the forward pack, with coach Whitaker making another five changes to the starting side coming in the backline.

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Sam Blank and Jonty Fowler will link up in a new-look halves pairing, while Josh Takai has been brought into the First XV at inside centre. Australia Sevens flyer Cooper Watters will line up on the left wing, with Chayse Geros starting at fullback.

Forwards Charlie Hollyman and Jasper Asi are in line to play their first minutes of the tournament, having been named on the bench. Toby Brial, Angus Grover and Louis Fenwicke are among those who have been named in the replacements.

Jacob Job has been retained at loosehead prop, set to join Ewald Kruger and Edwin Langi in the front row once again. Will Ross joins Harris in the second row, rounding out the tight five. Tom Robinson will captain the side from openside flanker.

Luca Cleverley and Eli Langi are the other two backrowers. The only other two names not  yet mentioned from the First XV is Leo Jaques at outside cetnre, and Taione Taka set to start again on the right wing.

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This round three TRC match will get underway at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this Saturday at 10:00 pm AEST.

Australia U20 to take on Argentina U20

1. Jacob Job
2. Ewald Kruger
3. Edwin Langi
4. Will Ross
5. Kenneth Harris
6. Luca Cleverley
7. Tom Robinson (c)
8. Eli Langi
9. Sam Blank
10. Jonty Fowler
11. Cooper Watters
12. Josh Takai
13. Leo Jaques
14. Taione Taka
15. Chayse Geros

Replacements

16. Charlie Hollyman
17. Nick Hill
18. Jasper Asi
19. Isaac Fonua
20. Toby Brial
21. Angus Grover
22. Riley Whitfeld
23. Louis Fenwicke

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