Thompson: 'Aussies U20 need to deliver'
The side features three capped Super Rugby players in Queensland Reds duo James Tuttle and Campbell Magnay, as well as Brumbies inside back Jordan Jackson-Hope.
Coach Thompson is really happy with the team selection, however he did emphasise the importance of the team's performance on during the match.
"We have a good spread of talent from across the Australian provincial U20s sides, with some size in the forwards and speed in the backs.
"The team have worked hard since arriving in Manchester and players have been competing at training for places in the matchday 23.
"They need to deliver on the field as we head into the games, otherwise the efforts of the team as a collective won’t mean anything," Thompson stated.
There are eight Queensland U20s in the starting XV.
As well as NSW Gen Blue’s U20s; Vunipola Fifita, Ryan McCauley, Simon Kennewell and Jack Maddocks.
Tyrell Lomax and Nick Jooste are from the Brumbies Colts and hooker Jordan Uelese hails from Melbourne Rebels U20s.
After arriving in Manchester on June 2, the team have spent the past four days preparing for their opening match at Bowdon Rugby Club.
"Our preparation for this tournament has been as good as I’ve ever experienced with the U20s. We had four solid matches and recorded three wins, and we also got through a lot of work in our two camps," Thompson said.
Australia U20 team: 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Simon Kennewell, 13 Campbell Magnay, 12 Nick Jooste, 11 Liam McNamara, 10 Mack Mason, 9 James Tuttle (captain), 8 Maclean Jones, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Ryan McCauley, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Vunipola Fifita.
Replacements: 16 Josh Taylor, 17 Richie Asiata, 18 Sham Vui, 19 Harry Hocking, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Harry Nucifora, 22 Jordan Jackson-Hope, 23 Liam Jurd.
Date: Tuesday, June 7
Venue: AJ Bel Stadium, Salford
Kick-off: 17.30 (16.30 GMT; 2.30 Wednesday, June 8 AEST)
Referee: Thomas Charabas (France)
Assistant referees: Ian Tempest (England), Paul Dix (England)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (England)
ARU.com.au
