By Jonathan B Geddes

EASTERN Suburbs are ready to dispense Justice in the Shute Shield finals with the elevation of an exciting 18-year-old backrower in his first season out of school.

Justice Taumoepeau made his first-grade debut for the minor premiers off the bench in last weekend’s 40-10 win over West Harbour, crossing for a terrific try to make it an even more memorable occasion.

A graduate of that great rugby nursery, St Joseph’s College, he repaid the belief shown in him by coach Ben Batger. He will again be a reserve in Saturday’s Shute Shield semi-final against Eastwood at Woollahra Oval.

Justice’s dad, Pauli, is the long-serving former Beasties’ first-grade forward and coach. He was also Waratahs assistant coach and is currently working in Japan.

Taumoepeau started in the Easts Colts’ system this season, missed the Australian Under 20s after breaking his arm and has only been back on the field for three weeks.

“He just turned 18 two months ago,” Easts coach Ben Batger told Rugby News.

JUSTICE IS SERVED    

AFTER injuries to backrowers Jamie Adamson, Archie Gavin and George Gibson, coach Batger called Taumoepeau up last weekend.

Far from being a gamble, it proved an astute selection by Batger, who had shown faith in his rookie backrower.        

“He was very good, and he repaid the confidence on the weekend,” Batger said. “You could see the reaction after he scored his try – the boys were ecstatic for him on debut as an 18-year-old, which I don’t think many people can claim.

“He’s a really good, humble young kid as well.”

Batger has no doubt Taumoepeau will handle his next challenge in the semi-final against the tough Woodies’ outfit.

“He’s really diligent in his work, and I don’t think much fazes him,” Batger said.

“It will be a good test this weekend because Eastwood has a big physical pack and he will have to bring his best.

“But the old adage, if you are good enough, you are old enough, is what I am thinking.”  

Taumoepeau also has the benefit of an experienced Easts teammate helping him step up into the senior ranks.       

“We are really lucky because our No.8 big Jimmy Hokafonu is a real mentor for our young players and has been brilliant with him,” Batger said.

Hokafonu does extras with young Taumoepeau after training.

Taumoepeau highlights an all-too-familiar situation for Australian rugby. The young talent is here – it just has to be retained, nurtured and developed.

IT’S YOUNG TALENT TIME AT WOOLLAHRA

THE powerful backrower isn’t the only rising forward Easts are blooding in their top squad.

In an extraordinary scenario, their two young bench frontrowers this weekend are former schoolmates tighthead Edwin Langi, 20, and loosehead Nate Titii, 21.

The pair came through The Kings school together, and Langi was in the Australian Under 20s squad this year.

The props each have fewer than 10 first-grade appearances.

“I know they are reserves, but they play good minutes and are really good young players,” Batger said.

THE DANGER LURKING IN THE WOODS

EASTWOOD showed in their 43-40 loss to a hot Sydney University side last weekend what a threat they will pose to Easts on Saturday.

Under the guidance of new coach Anthony Griffin, Eastwood have proved a real surprise packet this season.        

“They are very tough and very resilient,” Batger said.

He can see the influence of Griffin, the former long-serving NRL coach, who has been reappointed for a further two seasons.

“They just control the ball so well, and their goal line D is excellent,” Batger said. “They are a tough nut to crack and have won three or four games in the last three minutes.

“They won’t go away, unfortunately. It’s a really physical, combative game when you play Eastwood.”