ACT Brumbies duo Eli Langi and Ewald Kruger remain in the Australia U20 squad to face Argentina, with Langi the lone Brumbies starter after starting every match of the tournament. Kruger moves to the bench following a tireless campaign, having started the four previous games for the Australians.
Chris Whitaker has made eight changes to his Australia U20 side for their seventh-place playoff against Argentina at the World Rugby U20 Championship on Friday (local time).
After suffering four injuries in the opening 15 minutes of their last match against Wales, the Australians have been forced into a number of changes for the clash in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Queensland Reds outside back Treyvon Pritchard suffered a broken fibula and syndesmosis injury after being taken down by a hip-drop tackle and will return to Australia for surgery.
Tom Farr-Jones comes into the side on the wing, with Wallace Charlie shifting to fullback. Taione Taka moves from the midfield to the wing, while Zac Fittler joins Charlie Bird in the centres.
Sam Blank and Finn Mackay continue their halves partnership, with Angus Grover, Jonty Fowler and Cooper Watters providing backline cover from the bench.
Australia U20 captain Tom Robinson remains sidelined with an ankle injury, with Luca Cleverley promoted to the starting back row alongside TJ Talaileva and Langi.
Toby Brial partners Isaac Fonua in the second row after William Ross failed a HIA against Wales.
John Grenfell earns his first start of the tournament in the front row alongside Jacob Job and Edwin Langi, with Kruger set to provide impact off the bench after an impressive tournament in Australia's front-row rotation.
NSW Waratahs lock Ed Baxter has joined the squad in Georgia and is in line to make his tournament debut.
Australia U20 Head Coach Chris Whitaker said the squad was determined to finish its campaign on a high.
"The whole group are hungry to finish our Junior World Championship campaign on a high, but we know Argentina will be feeling the same.
"I've been proud at how our players have responded to adversity this tournament, especially with the injuries suffered to key members at vital moments.
"We've played some great rugby throughout the tour, but we're determined to put a complete 80-minute performance together to finish with a win."
Match Details
- Australia U20 v Argentina U20
- Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Saturday 18 July
- 12:00am (AEST)
The match will be streamed live on Stan Sport.
