Vunipola legacy continues as Australia prospect earns first U20 start

Vunipola is one of the most famous and recognisable surnames in rugby history, and another family member has been handed a golden opportunity to shine on a big stage, named to start for Australia U20 in the World Rugby U20 Championship fifth-place playoff.

Former England internationals Mako and Billy Vunipola, and brother Manu, have all make their mark in the rugby world and now Lotu has a chance to do the same. Lotu has been named in Australia’s starting side for the first time, selected at loosehead prop.

Vunipola has only made one other appearance for the Aussie side at the U20 showpiece event, coming off the bench in a 44-21 win over Italy earlier this week. In Australia’s last match of the tournament, Vunipola joins Lipina Ata and Edwin Langi in the front row.

Rassie Erasmus on the challenges he expects from Georgia

Rassie Erasmus on the challenges he expects from Georgia

ACT Brumbies prospect Ollie Aylmer joins captain Eamon Doyle in the second row. Eli Langi will link up with Australia Sevens product Aden Ekanayake and NSW Waratahs’ Toby Brial in the loose forwards trio.

In the backs, Hwi Sharples and Joey Fowler will combine once again in the halves. Malakye Enasio from the ACT Brumbies starts alongside Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific rookie Dre Pakeho in the midfield.

Shane Wilcox starts on the left wing with Cooper Watters on the right. HSBC SVNS Series star Sid Harvey in the outside backs. On the bench, Trevor King, Beau Morrison and Joe Dillon are among those looking to make an impact when called upon.

This is the second meeting between the two sides at the tournament, with a late penalty goal seeing England steal a dramatic 36-33 win in pool play.

The U20 Championship Final will be contested between New Zealand and South Africa in Rovigo, immediately after Australia’s fifth-place playoff. Australia’s match gets underway at 2am AEST on Saturday morning, which will be available to stream on RugbyPass TV.

Australia U20 to take on England U20

1. Lotu Vunipola (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
2. Lipina Ata (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)
3. Edwin Langi (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
4. Ollie Aylmer (ACT Brumbies, Gordon)
5. Eamon Doyle (c) (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
6. Eli Langi (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)
7. Aden Ekanayake (Australia Sevens)
8. Toby Brial (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
9. Hwi Sharples (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
10. Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
11. Shane Wilcox (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)
12. Malakye Enasio (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)
13. Dre Pakeho (Queensland Reds, Brothers)
14. Cooper Watters (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
15. Sid Harvey (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

Replacements

16. Ollie Barrett (Western Force, Associates RUFC)
17. Nathaniel Tiitii (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
18. Trevor King (Queensland Reds, Souths)
19. Joe Mangelsdorf (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
20. Beau Morrison (ACT Brumbies, Sydney University)
21. James Martens (Queensland Reds, GPS Rugby Club)
22. Joe Dillon (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals)
23. Xavier Rubens (Queensland Reds, Souths)