Four Canberrans named in Junior Wallabies side
Canberra junior Ryan Lonergan will lead his country with three fellow ACT prospects in tow when the Junior Wallabies kick off their World Rugby under 20s championships campaign.
Vikings halfback Lonergan will be joined in the starting side by Gungahlin duo Tom Ross (tighthead prop) and Mack Hansen (fullback), while Queanbeyan's Isiah Latu will come from the bench in the tournament opener against Wales on Thursday morning (AEST).
The tournament looms as a massive opportunity for the Canberra quartet to stake a claim for higher honours and it begins with a clash against the Welsh at France's Stade de la Mediterranee in Bézier.
The Junior Wallabies have made four changes to the side that faced New Zealand in the Oceania Rugby under 20s championships with with Melbourne Rebels squad member Semisi Tupou to suit up in green and gold.
“We’ve had a good preparation in the lead up to this match and the lads are looking forward to starting the world championship,”Junior Wallabies head coach Jason Gilmore said.
“Wales are a very tough side and we know that they have some big bodies and will use the set piece really well, so we will need to front up to the challenge.”
WORLD RUGBY UNDER 20s CHAMPIONSHIP
Thursday: Junior Wallabies v Wales under 20s at Stade de la Mediterranee, Bézier, 5am (AEST). TV time: Live on Fox Sports.