Australia U18 side named for Barbarians challenge in New Zealand

The Australia U18 squad has been named for their upcoming clash against the New Zealand Barbarians U18 at St Paul's College in Hamilton on Wednesday. Captain Justice Taumoepeau will once again lead the side from No. 8 following their 62-19 victory over the Australian Schoolboys last week. Head coach Dale Roberson made three changes to the starting lineup, promoting Faf Krueger, Mark Falaniko-Peterson, and Flynn Farrell to the First XV.

Farrell joins the starting side at scrum-half alongside fly-half Wilson Ruthven after scoring a try off the bench last week. Falaniko-Peterson starts at loosehead prop with hooker Oliver Smith and tighthead prop Isaiah Sheck, while Krueger slots onto the wing. The midfield will feature vice-captain Taione Taka combining with James Smith as the Australians prepare for the physical test in Hamilton.