Brumbies winger Riley Whitfeld will make his first start of the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship, with three ACT Brumbies representatives named in Chris Whitaker's Australia U20 side to face Wales in a fifth-place semi-final in Tbilisi.
After a hard-fought defeat to France last week, Australia finished second in Pool D and will now play for a fifth-place finish at the 2026 Junior World Championship.
Whitfeld comes onto the wing for his first start of the tournament, while Brumbies teammates Ewald Kruger starts at hooker and Eli Langi will captain the side from the back row.
The big change comes with player of the tournament candidate Treyvon Pritchard shifting to fullback for the first time in a U20 gold jersey.
The switch pushes Australian Sevens and Western Force speedster Wallace Charlie to the opposite wing alongside Whitfeld.
Charlie Bird will line up at inside centre to make his starting debut, with versatile back Taione Taka joining him in the midfield after passing the HIA that forced him to miss the pool decider.
Two changes come in the back row as TJ Talaileva, who has scored three tries in three games, earns a maiden start alongside Marshall Le Maitre and Brumbies forward Langi, who will captain the side for the second time this tournament with Tom Robinson sidelined by an ankle injury.
The front row sees Jacob Job return at loosehead prop, with Kingbenjamin Swerling-Finaipepe moving to the bench.
Job will pack down alongside Brumbies hooker Kruger and Lehopoame Leota, while William Ross and Isaac Fonua form the second-row pairing after Toby Brial shifted to the bench.
Sam Blank switches places with Angus Grover to partner mainstay Finn Mackay in the halves, while Jonty Fowler and Tom Farr-Jones complete the backline replacements.
Kenneth Harris (shoulder) and Leo Jaques (hamstring) have returned home and will not be available for Australia's final two matches.
Fifth-place semi-finals
- Australia U20 v Wales U20
- Argentina U20 v Scotland U20
The winners will meet in the fifth-place playoff, while the defeated teams will contest seventh place.
Australia U20 Head Coach Chris Whitaker said:
"We are determined to bounce back from the tough defeat last time out and are hopeful that some of the changes will give us a lift.
"Wales have been strong throughout the group stages, and we know we'll have to be at our best to come out winners."
Match Details
Australia U20 v Wales U20 Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi Monday 13 July, 2:30am (AEST)
Every match of the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship is streamed live on Stan Sport.
