Junior Wallabies hand nephew of World Cup-winning captain second debut chance

Unless he suffers another late mishap, Tom Farr-Jones will make his Junior World Championship debut for Australia against Fiji in Kutaisi this Thursday.

The Waratahs winger and nephew of 1991 World Cup-winning captain, Nick Farr-Jones, pulled out of Australia’s opening match – the record 90-22 win over Spain – at the eleventh hour due to illness.

It was particularly galling for Farr-Jones as he’d recovered from finger surgery just in time to make the Junior Wallabies’ squad for Georgia.

But now the 20-year-old has another chance to show what he can do as one of 10 changes to the team that racked up Australia’s highest-ever score at the Junior World Championship.

Farr-Jones isn’t the only famous name in the XV, with Zach Fittler, the son of RL legend Brad, retaining his place in the midfield.

Fittler replaced Farr-Jones in the starting line-up on Saturday, after originally being named on the bench, and scored two tries.

Eli Langi will captain Australia from blindside flanker.

“We were pleased with the performance in our first match against Spain, but our aim is to continue to get better as we progress through the tournament,” said Junior Wallabies head coach and former international scrum-half, Chris Whitaker.

“We know Fiji will pose a tough challenge and being able to rotate through the squad gives us some fresh legs which we believe will help.

“We’re looking forward to another opportunity on Thursday to show who we are as a team.”

Australia U20 team v Fiji U20:
1. Jacob Job
2. Ewald Kruger
3. Lehopoame Leota
4. William Ross
5. Toby Brial
6. Eli Langi (c)
7. Marshall Le Maitre
8. Isaac Fonua
9. Sam Blank
10. Finn Mackay
11. Taione Taka
12. Treyvon Pritchard
13. Zach Fittler
14. Tom Farr-Jones
15. Wallace Charlie

Replacements:
16. John Grenfell
17. Matthew Sauao
18. Edwin Langi
19. Kenneth Harris
20. TJ Talaileva
21. Angus Grover
22. Jonty Fowler
23. Charlie Bird