Australia U20 make three changes

Editor

Three changes have been made to Australia's side to face England in Wednesday's must-win final pool match of the World Rugby U20 Championships.

Head coach Adrian Thompson has named Lukhan Tui to start at lock pushing Izack Rodda to the bench, Ikapote Tupai at openside flanker for his first match of the tournament and Liam Jurd at outside centre, pushing Rebels back Sione Tuipulotu to inside centre.

"Off the back of his performance against Italy, Lukhan Tui has earned himself a spot in the starting line-up," said Thompson.

"Izack (Rodda) has played a lot of minutes for us so this is also a good opportunity to allow him to come off the bench.

"Liam Wright has been excellent for us over the ball but Ikapote (Tupai) will bring a real physical presence to the forward pack. We’ll look to use them both at different stages of the match with the six-two split on the bench.

"Sione (Tuipulotu) will provide us with a solid ball-carrier at 12 and Liam Jurd has provided us with cover in a few positions so far this year, he’ll relish the opportunity to start."

England have been one of the in-form teams of the tournament defeating Italy (48-10) and Scotland (44-0), but the Australians are ready for the challenge.

"The clash against England has been one that we’ve had marked as an important game since the draw was announced, added Thompson.

"It’s a big occasion but it’s also a big match for England. As the host nation at home in front of big crowd, if there is any pressure heading into the game it will be on England."

"England have made the last three finals and have won two of them. To get a win over England would be a good scalp for us to claim at the tournament."

Australia: 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Simon Kennewell, 13 Liam Jurd, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Liam McNamara, 10 Mack Mason, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Maclean Jones, 7 Ikapote Tupai, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Tui, 4 Ryan McCauley, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Vunipola Fifita 
Replacements: 16 Josh Taylor, 17 Richie Asiata, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Harry Nucifora, 22 Liam Wright, 23 Jordan Jackson-Hope

Date: Wednesday, June 15
Venue: AJ Bell Stadium, Salford
Kick-off: 19:45 local (18:45 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Greg Garner (England)
TMO: Paul Adams (Wales)