Australia’s U20s fell agonisingly short of a spot in the World Cup semi finals after missing a late conversion and several try scoring opportunities in the final minutes of a 22-22 draw against England overnight. 

While it’s a disappointing result, there have been a number of positives to take out of the Junior Wallabies’ campaign so far including some standout individual performances. 

Jack Barrett (NSW Waratahs, Randwick)

Young Randwick and Waratahs prop Jack Barrett, originally from Lightning Ridge in far west NSW, is technically outstanding at scrum time. While he gives away a serious size advantage, he dominated props far bigger than him at times and at 19 will return again for another crack at the 20s next year. 

Leafi Talataina (Melbourne Rebels, Endeavour Hills)

Another 19 year old, Talataina is a tall, strong lock who used great footwork at the line to score an important try for the Junior Wallabies in the England match. His aggression and work rate around the park is also top notch and he’ll only get better as he continues to grow. 

Teddy Wilson (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

Wilson has been a class above in all six 20s games he has played so far this year. He has an incredible ability to play at double the speed of those around him, yet still appear to have twice as much time as anyone else on the park. 

Massimo De Lutiis (ACT Brumbies, Western District Lions)

The injury to big prop Massimo De Lutiis halfway through the Junior Wallabies match against Ireland was a turning point in the tournament. De Luttis was equally as good as Barrett at set piece time and is an absolute monster of a young man. It’s great to see a guy this size on our side, rather than lining up against us. 

Mason Gordon (Melbourne Rebels, Wests Bulldogs)

Like his older brother, Gordon has a wide variety of attributes to his game. At fullback, he provides speed and flare, at flyhalf or first or second receiver, he controls the game well and kicks brilliantly. He adds a lot of variety to an attack and has a big future ahead of him. 

John Bryant (QLD Reds, Souths Magpies)

Big Queensland backrower John Bryant was great against Ireland and even better off the bench in the final 20 minutes against England. While he plays hard and tight when needed, he was devastating when attacking in the wider channels. 

Ronan Leahy (Western Force, Sydney University)

While Leahy’s opportunities were limited throughout the tournament, the 19-year old did enough to show why he’s already made his first grade Shute Shield debut and been signed by the Force. Leahy is big and strong and attacks in a similar fashion to Jordan Petaia.