Australia U20s name side for opening U20 Rugby Championship match against New Zealand

Sat, Apr 25, 2026, 12:03 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Australian Under 20's side takes on Japan Under 23 Development team from C.Ex Coffs International Stadium at Coffs Harbour on Saturday April 11, 2026

Australia U20 coach Chris Whitaker has confirmed his side to face New Zealand U20 on Monday (AEST) to kick off the U20 Rugby Championship in South Africa.

Queensland flanker Tom Robinson skippers the side, the son of former Wallaby and World Rugby Chair Brett.

Watch every second of the U20 Rugby Championship live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Robinson led the side during their win over Japan U23 at the Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby.

He is joined in the back-row by Marshall Le Matire, who captained the team against Fiji U20s, and Brumbies number eight Eli Langi.

Langi is one of several in the squad already on Super Rugby Pacific contracts, with Frankie Goldsbrough and Leo Jaques named in the centres.

Reds debutant Finn Mackay starts at flyhalf, debuting at Super Rugby level in the opening match of the season against the NSW Waratahs.

He reunites with Australia U18s partner Angus Grover, with the pair helping the 18s team defeat their NZ counterparts last year.

Sevens debutant Cooper Watters is named on the wing, making his World Series debut in Singapore.

Riley Whitfeld and Louis Fenwicke complete the backline after impressing during the two warm-up games.

In the forwards, Edwin Langi returns for another crack at the Rugby Championship, partnering with Jacob Job and Ewald Kruger in the front-row, with Isaac Fonau and Will Ross in the second-row.

Australia U20 team list v New Zealand U20

1. Jacob Job

2. Ewald Kruger 

3. Edwin Langi

4. Will Ross

5. Isaac Fonua

6. Tom Robinson (c)

7. Marshall Le Maitre

8. Eli Langi

9. Angus Grover

10. Finn Mackay

11. Cooper Watters

12. Frankie Goldsbrough

13. Leo Jaques

14. Riley Whitfeld

15. Louis Fenwicke

Substitutes

16. Tyler Maybery

17. Harper Strachan

18. Jonah Rangiwai

19. Kenneth Harris

20. Cooper Eagle

21. Sam Blank

22. Jonty Fowler

23. Taione Taka

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