Reds star Kalani Thomas and Rebels fly-half Mason Gordan have been selected back into Nathan Grey’s matchday 23 ahead of their clash against New Zealand U20s on the Sunshine Coast.
Paddy Tagg, Thomas Maka, Western Force Siosifa Amone will make up the front row, Amone earning a spot in the starting pack again after impressing coaches in his last match against Fiji.
Vice-captain Luke Callan is also back in the starting line-up after coming off the bench in the sides last game, he’ll be joined by Lopeti Faifua in the second row.
Daniel Maiava replaces George Gibson in the number six jersey as he joins, Mitch Watts and Zac Hough to round out the forwards.
Rebels centre Lucas Ripley wants to continue his good form against New Zealand opposition scoring 4 tries in his last two games for the Rebels.
He will be joined by Jayden Blake at inside centre who scored a double in Junior Wallabies last game against Fiji.
Floyd Aubrey and Darby Lancaster will start on each wing while Mac Grealy takes the number 15 jersey while continuing to captain the side.
To kick off the reserves Max Craig, Adrian Brown, Remsy Lemisio will act as replacement front rowers.
Nathan Grey will be eager to utilize Jack Bowen and Ben Dowling off the bench after both players had a breakout game against Fiji.
Teddy Wilson will join Nick Baker and George Gibson to make up the rest of the reserves.
Junior Wallabies Coach Nathan Grey said: “Having three games in just over a week we’ve had to rotate the squad quite a bit.
“It’s been really positive to see impressive performances across the board, I think we are going to be very dangerous once we inject some of our key players off the bench.
“We are really excited for our third game in this series and the players are itching to get out there and play.”
The Junior Wallabies will kick-off against New Zealand on Sunday 10 July at 4:00pm AEST at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Junior Wallabies team to face New Zealand
- Paddy Tagg
- Thomas Maka
- Siosifa Amone
- Lopeti Faifua
- Luke Callan (VC)
- Daniel Maiava
- Zac Hough
- Mitch Watts
- Kalani Thomas
- Mason Gordon
- Floyd Aubrey
- Jayden Blake
- Lukas Ripley
- Darby Lancaster
- Mac Grealy (C)
- Max Craig
- Adrian Brown
- Remsy Lemisio
- Nick Baker
- George Gibson
- Teddy Wilson
- Jack Bowen
- Ben Dowling
