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Taumoepeau captains Australia U18 side against Australian Schools in Sydney

NSW Waratahs prospect Justice Taumoepeau will lead Australia's U18 side as captain when they face an Australian Schools team at Knox Grammar School in Sydney on Friday. Australia U20 representative Taione Taka, named vice-captain, starts at inside centre.

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Taumoepeau captains Australia U18 side against Australian Schools in Sydney
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NSW Waratahs prospect Justice Taumoepeau has been named captain of the Australia U18 side to face an Australian Schools team at Knox Grammar School in Sydney on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 2:05 pm AEST. Australia U20 representative Taione Taka, appointed vice-captain, starts at inside centre alongside James Smith.

Both Taumoepeau and Taka featured in the U20 set-up earlier this year but remain eligible for the U18 programme. Taumoepeau starts at No. 8, with Tahj Smith and Charlie Tanner completing the backrow. Harrison Asi and Jack Burton form the second-row partnership, while Iliyaz Viliamu and Isaiah Sheck start in the front row alongside hooker Oliver Smith.

Australia U16 graduates Izak Holmes and Wilson Ruthven have been selected at halfback and fly-half respectively, with Taj Scarr and Aidan Wunsch named on the wings and Jack Plamondon at fullback. Nudgee College front-rower Aiden Luke is among the replacements.

Head coach Dale Roberson said the squad had made strong progress during their opening week of camp. “We’ve had a great first week in camp here in Sydney, with the group creating connections on and off the field,” he said. “We’re looking forward to sharpening our skills ahead of the tour to New Zealand and excited for the challenge of facing a tough Australian Schools team on Friday, where we will look to put in a strong performance.”

The match serves as preparation for an upcoming tour to New Zealand.

Australia U18 team to face Australian Schools

  1. Iliyaz Viliamu, 2. Oliver Smith, 3. Isaiah Sheck, 4. Harrison Asi, 5. Jack Burton, 6. Tahj Smith, 7. Charlie Tanner, 8. Justice Taumoepeau (c), 9. Izak Holmes, 10. Wilson Ruthven, 11. Taj Scarr, 12. James Smith, 13. Taione Taka (vc), 14. Aidan Wunsch, 15. Jack Plamondon

Replacements: 16. Aiden Luke, 17. Mark Falaniko-Brown Peterson-Patolo, 18. James Hannaford, 19. Hasani Bloomfield, 20. Jack Calleja, 21. Flynn Farrell, 22. Cooper Murray, 23. Faf Krueger, 24. Finn Hannon, 25. Hunter Reich, 26. Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage

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