Australia U20s locked in for fifth-place playoff against Argentina

[Burgs]

Thu, Jul 18, 2024, 5:58 AM
Nathan Williamson

Australia U20s coach Nathan Grey has confirmed his side to face Argentina to battle off for fifth on Saturday morning (AEST) in Cape Town.

Grey's side booked their spot in the playoff with a tough win over Wales, with Argentina knocking off hosts South Africa.

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Grey has kept the faith with the starting side from the seven point win, with captain Toby Macpherson leading the way.

Reds flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips retains his spot at flyhalf after having a hand in a trio of tries during the victory over the Welsh.

There has been a couple of changes with the bench, with Waratahs hooker Oniti Finau making his debut at the tournament.

Angus Staniforth also makes his return, with Grey reverting to the 5-3 bench split.

Staniforth crossed for a double off the bench during their opening match against Georgia.

The two teams faced off at the U20 Rugby Championship earlier in the year, with Argentina taking the 25-6 win.

Los Pumas managed the wet conditions to take the victory, outscoring the Aussies three tries to none.

England will face France in the Final, with Ireland taking on New Zealand in the third-place playoff.

France are looking for back-to-back titles, whilst the English are looking for their first since 2016.

Australia U20 vs. Argentina U20

Athlone Stadium, Cape Town

5pm Friday 19 July (local) / 11pm Friday 18 July (AWST) (Converted)

1. Lington Ieli - ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings
2. Ottavio Tuipulotu - Melbourne Rebels, Eastern Suburbs
3. Nick Bloomfield - Queensland Reds, Easts Brisbane
4. Toby Macpherson (c) - ACT Brumbies, Uni-Norths Owls
5. Harvey Cordukes - ACT Brumbies, Uni-Norths Owls
6. Aden Ekanayake - Australia Sevens, Gordon Rugby Club
7. Dane Sawers - Western Force, Kalamunda Districts
8. Jack Harley - ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles
9. Dan Nelson - ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Queensland Reds, Souths Brisbane
11. Archie Saunders - NSW Waratahs, Warringah Rugby Club
12. Jarrah McLeod - ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals
13. Kadin Pritchard - ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles
14. Ronan Leahy - Western Force, Sydney University
15. Shane Wilcox - ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings

16. Oniti Finau - NSW Waratahs, Randwick Rugby Club
17. Nathaniel Tiitii - NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs
18. Trevor King - Queensland Reds, Souths Brisbane
19. Eamon Doyle - NSW Waratahs, Sydney University
20. Austin Durbidge - NSW Waratahs, Sydney University
21. Billy Dickens - NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs
22. Boston Fakafanua - Western Force, Sydney University
23. Angus Staniforth - ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals

[Burgs]

Unfortunate end to the Junior Wallabies campaign, Argentina get up 14-6 for Australia to place 6th.
A tough match in shocking conditions.
I think RA need to dedicate a field somewhere with high water allocation for wet weather replication training as it's clear all of our Rep teams don't have enough wet weather experience.