Cron chops and changes for Fiji clash
OCEANIA RUGBY U20S CHAMPIONSHIP
Australian U20s coach Simon Cron has made six changes to his starting XV that will take on Fiji tonight.
Cron was far from pleased with his team's opening 43-20 win against Samoa on Friday and has taken a broom through the team as a result.
That was to be expected, though, as this tournament is essentially three trials prior to the World Championships in Georgia at the end of the month.
The back line will be almost completely different to the one that ran out against Samoa.
Queensland U20s halfback Harry Nucifora will start at halfback in place of Ryan Lonergan.
Nucifora's QLD teammate Dylan Riley shifts into the centres in to pair up with Tony Hunt, with the hole left by Riley on the right wing to be filled by Clay Uyen.
Dylan Riley will start at outside centre. Photo: Oceania Rugby/Sportography
Dylan Riley will start at outside centre. Photo: Oceania Rugby/Sportography
Semisi Tupou comes in at fullback, pushing Jayden Ngamanu out onto the other wing.
In the forwards, Lachlan Swinton and Darcy Swain form a new-look lock combination, while Angus Allen comes in for Liam Wright at openside flanker.
"We talked after our match against Samoa and thought we blew a number of opportunities through not executing our basic skills," Cron said.
"As a squad, we need to continue to up-skill in regards to skill execution and attacking knowledge.
"Our defensive shapes were taking form against Samoa, but again we can improve of our contact zone.
"We’ve had a good few days on the paddock and I am looking forward to seeing the boys back playing.
"Fiji are strong, explosive athletes and they will be a big physical challenge!
"They’re a very passionate Rugby nation and it's a pleasure to have a chance to play against them.”
TEAM
Australia U20s team to face Fiji
1. Harry Johnson-Holmes, NSW Gen Blue U20s, Sydney University
2. Efi Maafu, Queensland U20s, Wests
3. Harry Chapman, NSW Gen Blue U20s, Randwick
4. Lachlan Swinton, NSW Gen Blue U20s, Sydney University
5. Darcy Swain, Brumbies U20s, Tugerranong Vikings
6. Angus Scott-Young (vc), Queensland U20s, University of Queensland
7. Angus Allen, Brumbies U20s, Wests
8. Reece Hewat (c), Queensland U20s, Norths
9. Harry Nucifora, Queensland U20s, Bond University
10. Nick Jooste (vc), Brumbies U20s, Wests
11. Jayden Ngamanu, Queensland U20s, Souths
12. Tony Hunt, Queensland U20s, University of Queensland
13. Dylan Riley, Queensland U20s, Bond University
14. Clay Uyen, Western Force U20s, University of WA
15. Semisi Tupou, Melbourne Rebels U20s, Box Hill
Reserves
16. Sama Malolo, Western Force U20s, Wests Scarborough
17. David Puchert, Port Macquarie Pirates
18. Vaauli Faamausili, Melbourne Rebels U20s, Moorabbin
19. Angus Blyth, Queensland U20s, Bond University
20.Liam Wright, Queensland U20s, Easts
21. Ryan Lonergan, Brumbies U20s, Tugerranong Vikings
22. Theo Strang, NSW Gen Blue U20s, Sydney University
23. Len Ikatau, Brumbies U20s, Tugerranong Vikings
The Australian U20s take on the Fiji U20s kicking off at 5pm, broadcast LIVE on
www.rugby.com.au
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