Six NSW Generation Blue Under 20’s players have been chosen to represent Australia in the Junior Wallabies’ World Rugby Under 20’s Championship opener against Wales on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
Head Coach Jason Gilmore has made four changes to the side that faced New Zealand in the Oceania Rugby Under 20’s Championship.
NSW Waratahs Elite Youth Development Manager, Pat McCutcheon, looks forward to seeing members of his Gen Blue squad take the next progression in representative honours.
“It’s fantastic to see six New South Welshmen given the opportunity to represent their country which is a great reward for the hard work they’ve put in to get to this point. For them, however, the challenge has only just begun,” said McCutcheon.
Sydney University enforcer Josh Kemeny will ply his trade at No.8, while Southern Districts pivot Bayley Kuenzle will steer the backline at flyhalf. Having been added to the squad as a late edition, Randwick winger James Ramm will start on the wing for his country.
Barnstorming prop George Francis will make his impact from the bench alongside fellow Gen Blue teammate and Northern Suburbs second rower, Patrick Tafa.
NSW Waratahs, Generation Blue and Randwick flyhalf Will Harrison will also get the opportunity to represent his country once again having been named in the No.22 jersey.
The match kicks off at 5am (AEST) on Thursday 31 May and will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS.2018 World Rugby Under 20's Championship
Pool A Fixtures:
Thursday 31 May
Australia v Wales, 5.00am AEST, Stade de la Mediterranee, Bézier
Sunday 3 June
Australia v Japan, 10.00pm AEST, Stade de la Mediterranee, Bézier
Friday 8 June
Australia v New Zealand, 5.00am AEST, Stade Aime-Giral, Perpignan
Junior Wallabies side to face Wales
1.Harry Hoopert, Queensland, Brothers
2. Efi Maafu, Queensland, Wests
3. Tom Ross, ACT, Gungahlin
4. Trevor Hosea, Harlequins, Victoria
5. Angus Blyth, Queensland, Bond University
6. Esei Haangana, Victoria, Melbourne Unicorns
7. Fraser McReight, Queensland, Brothers
8. Josh Kemeny, NSW Generation Blue, Sydney University
9. Ryan Lonergan (c), ACT, Vikings
10. Bayley Kuenzle, NSW Generation Blue, Southern Districts
11. Matt McTaggert, NSW (Australian Sevens), Easts
12. Isaac Lucas, Queensland, Sunnybank
13. Semisi Tupou, Victoria, Box Hill
14. James Ramm, NSW Generation Blue, Randwick
15. Mack Hansen, ACT, Gungahlin
Reserves
16. Sama Malolo, Victoria, Endeavour Hills
17. George Francis, NSW Generation Blue, Eastwood
18. Lawrence Tominiko, Queensland, Sunnybank
19. Michael Wood, Queensland, Brothers
20. Patrick Tafa, NSW Generation Blue, Norths
21. Tate McDermott, Queensland, University of Queensland
22. Will Harrison, NSW Generation Blue, Randwick
23. Isiah Latu, ACT, Queanbeyan
