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Aussie 7s ace included in Junior Wallabies squad for New Zealand series

16 May 2023

(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Australian Sevens ace Darby Lancaster headlines an exciting 31-man Junior Wallabies squad to take on the New Zealand Under-20s in Wellington.

Ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship 2023 in South Africa, the Junior Wallabies will travel across the ditch to play their arch rivals.

The trans-Tasman rivals will go head-to-head in two matches, including a Super Rugby Pacific curtain-raiser early next month.

Australia will play New Zealand at NZCIS in a couple of weeks’ time on May 29, before playing the curtain-raiser at Sky Stadium ahead of the Hurricanes’ clash with the champion Crusaders on June 3.

“We’re very excited about getting the squad together and testing ourselves against New Zealand, who always present a great challenge,” coach Nathan Grey said in a statement.

“In particular the scheduling of the second game as a curtain-raiser to the Super Rugby Pacific fixture presents a valuable opportunity for the players to experience a big stadium and a big stage to perform on.

“Many of the players in the squad essentially picked themselves through the quality and consistency of their performances playing for their clubs over the last month.

“Super Rugby Pacific commitments have forced some changes but we have the benefit of being able to draw from an extended shadow squad of players who have been involved in the program to date.

Congratulations to all our #JuniorWallabies 👏
This 31-man squad will play a two game series against New Zealand U20’s in Wellington on 29th May and 3rd June!
Read more 👉 https://t.co/1gnSc7maQX pic.twitter.com/IlOzr4uBYV
— Wallabies (@wallabies) May 17, 2023

“From all comers of Australia, they come together under the Junior Wallabies banner, to represent their country with pride and take a huge step in their development as rugby players.”

Rising stars Tom Lynagh, Max Jorgensen and Marley Pearce were initially included in the Junior Wallabies squad, but have been made unavailable due to their Super Rugby Pacific commitments.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tom Morrison and Chris Mickelson have replaced the trio in the Australian Under-20s setup.

The Junior Wallabies will assemble for a camp on the Gold Coast on May 21, before heading off to New Zealand – continuing their preparations for the U20 Championship next month.

Australia have been drawn alongside England, Ireland and Fiji in pool play at the tournament, which is set to kick-off on June 24.

At the last instalment of the esteemed event in 2019, the Junior Wallabies reached the final – but lost to France in a thriller.

Junior Wallabies squad

Reds

Taj Annan

John Bryant

Ben Daniels

Nick Bloomfield

Harrison Usher

Jarrod Homan

Tim Ryan

Nick Baker

Trevor King

Max Craig

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips

Rebels

Leafi Talataina

Mason Gordon

David Vaihu

Daniel Maiava

Brumbies

Liam Bowron

Massimo De Lutiis

Lachlan Hooper

Klayton Thorn

Matias Jensen

Chris Mickelson

Force

Ned Slack-Smith

Jhy Legg

AU Sevens

Darby Lancaster

Waratahs

Jack Barrett

Ollie McCrea

Teddy Wilson

Jack Bowen

Henry O’Donnell

Jackson Ropata

Tom Morrison

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 6 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 6 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 6 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 6 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 6 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 6 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍