SVNS rookie Watters named in strong Australia U20 side for TRC opener

HSBC SVNS Series rookie Cooper Watters headlines a strong Australia U20 side to kick off the 2026 Rugby Championship in South Africa, with coach Chris Whitaker unveiling the matchday 23 to take on New Zealand U20 on Monday.

This is the second year Watters has been involved with the U20s program, featuring in all three TRC matches at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last May. Watters would later start in all five appearances at the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Italy.

Australia were well outplayed by eventual champions South Africa on June 30, but Watters was a shining light, scoring two tries in the heavy defeat. Watters wore the No. 14 jersey in other games against Scotland, England (twice) and Italy.

The 19-year-old will again start for the Australian outfit, who are looking to build off season-opening wins against Fiji U20 and Japan U23 in Coffs Harbour. Queensland Reds product Tom Robinson will lead the side in this match, lining up at blindside flanker.

Jacob Job has been selected at loosehead prop, set to pack down alongside Ewald Kruger and Edwin Langi in the front row. Will Ross and Isaac Fonua round out the tight five as the two second rowers in the run-on side.

Robinson and Marshall Le Maitre take their place in the starting side as the two flankers, while Eli Langi completes the forward pack as the first-choice No. 8.

NSW Waratahs scrum-half Angus Grover will link up with Queensland Reds pivot Finn Mackay in the halves. Frankie Goldsbrough adds professional experience to this U20s outfit, having debuted for the Reds as an 18-year-old in 2024.

Goldsbrough joins Leo Jacques in the midfield, while Watters and Riley Whitfield take their place in the First XV as the two wingers. Louis Fenwicke from the Waratahs, who can also cover centre, has been selected at fullback.

“We are looking forward to taking the momentum from our week-long camp in Coffs Harbour and building upon it with three tough games in South Africa,” coach Chris Whitaker said in a press release earlier this month.

“The Rugby Championship U20 provides us with another opportunity to continue developing as a team against top opposition in unique circumstances.

“Our group is ready to embrace the challenge and are excited to get the chance to represent Australia on the international stage.”

Australia U20 side to take on New Zealand U20

1. Jacob Job
2. Ewald Kruger
3. Edwin Langi
4. Will Ross
5. Isaac Fonua
6. Tom Robinson (c)
7. Marshall Le Maitre
8. Eli Langi
9. Angus Grover
10. Finn Mackay
11. Cooper Watters
12. Frankie Goldsbrough
13. Leo Jaques
14. Riley Whitfeld
15. Louis Fenwicke

Replacements

16. Tyler Maybery
17. Harper Strachan
18. Jonah Rangiwai
19. Kenneth Harris
20. Cooper Eagle
21. Sam Blank
22. Jonty Fowler
23. Taione Taka