Former Wallaby captain George Gregan runs the Australian Under 20s
through some drills in assisting the coaching staff

by Jim Davis –

The Australian Under 20s will continue their preparations for the IRB Junior World Championship when they play the GrainCorp NSW Country Cockatoos at Chatswood Oval on Saturday at 5.30pm.

This game will follow the Gordon v Warringah Shute Shield match. Then, on Tuesday May 27th, the Australian Under 20s will play the Australian Barbarians at Chatswood Oval at 6.30pm in their final preparation match before leaving for Auckland on May 29th for the Championship.

Mathew Philip who plays with the Manly Club, will captain the Australian Under 20s side on Saturday

The Australian Under 20s have played two matches in their extended preparation, both against Samoa Under 20s. The first game the Australian Under 20s won 34-5 and then played some great rugby in winning the second game 60-5 on the Gold Coast on May 3rd.

The games at Chatswood Oval provide an excellent opportunity to watch some great rugby and see future Wallabies on display.

Head Coach Adrian Thompson is positive that the extended preparation will benefit the young Australian side.

“We have recognised that the talent we have had available in previous years hasn’t translated into success on the field.  We therefore looked at ways of improving our preparation. This included four trial matches, two of which were against international opposition,” he said.

“It will be great to have the majority of the squad back in camp to continue our preparation.”

The GrainCorp NSW Country Cockatoos will be out to give the Australian Under 20s a tough encounter and it should prove to be an exciting match with plenty of tries scored.

Two very good games at Chatswood Oval.

Australian Under 20s

1. Cameron Orr; 2. Harry Scoble; 3. Tom Robertson; 4. Matt Philip (C); 5. Jack Payne; 6. Lolo Fakaosilea; 7. Rowan Perry; 8. Ross Haylett – Petty; 9. Angus Pulver; 10. Jake McIntyre; 11. Andrew Kellaway; 12. Jimmy Stewart; 13. Lalakai Foketi (VC); 14. Jonny Vaux; 15. Jonah Placid

Bench: 16. David Vea; 17. Rory O’Connor; 18. Alifeliti Kaitu’u; 19. Sam Croke; 20. Michael Gunn; 21. Joe Powell; 22. David Horwitz; 23. Brad Lacey

GrainCorp NSW Country Cockatoos

1. Chris Plunkett; 2. Peter Nau; 3. Amoni Vea; 4. Lachlan McCutcheon; 5. Dan Ryan; 6. Paulie Tuala; 7. Josh Stewart; 8. Gavin Holder; 9. Adam McCormack; 10. Ben Greentree; 11. Eli Sinoti; 12. Lee Russell; 13. Filsoni Pauta; 14. Andre Itula; 15. Donovan Nepia

Bench: 16. Steve Lamont; 17. Ryan Jackson; 18. Mitch Hardy; 19. Joe Taylor; 20 Auvasa Falealli; 21. Andrew Barrett; 22. Scott Burgess; 23.Mark Minter