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After escaping home against Fiji, Nathan Grey has made mass changes to his Junior Wallabies side ahead of their defining under-20s world championship pool match against Ireland on Thursday night in South Africa.
Indeed, it took the entry of gun halves Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen – the sons of former Wallabies David Wilson and Scott Bowen – midway through the second half to see the Junior Wallabies home.
Before then, Fiji looked like pulling off a boilover as they took advantage of the Junior Wallabies’ shotty discipline and equally poor kicking to open up a 37-29 lead.
But the introduction of Wilson and Bowen turned the game, as they bossed the final 15 minutes to seal a 46-37 victory.
Unsurprisingly, with a quick five-day turnaround, the rising Waratahs duo have returned to the playmaking positions as two of 10 changes made by Grey.
Jack Bowen is back in the No.10 jersey for the Junior Wallabies’ crunch under-20s world championship clash against Ireland. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Jack Barrett comes in at loose-head prop after Marley Pearce copped a red card for a front-on tackle that went wrong in the second half against Fiji while Max Craig comes in at hooker to join Massimo De Lutiis in the front-row.
Jhy Legg partners Daniel Maiava-Tausoa in the second-row, while Lachlan Hooper, the younger brother of Wallabies bolter Tom, joins Ned Slack-Smith and John Bryant in the back-row.
The impressive David Vaihu is joined by Henry O’Donnell at outside centre, with Taj Annan, who pulled off a couple of big shots against Fiji last weekend, dropping to the bench. Tim Ryan replaces Ronan Leahy on the right-wing.
The Junior Wallabies will have to be at their best against the Six Nations champions, with Ireland sealing their under-20s crown with a 36-24 victory over England in March.
But Grey’s side can go a long way in sealing a semi-final spot by defeating Ireland, who started their campaign with a 34-all draw with England.
“After a promising start to the tournament with a bonus point win over a strong Fiji side, the next opportunity to represent the jersey has arrived for 23 Junior Wallabies,” Grey said.
“For some of them it will be their first opportunity in the tournament, but as a team we will continue to build on our performances to date.
“Ireland has been the benchmark in the Under-20 Six Nations for the last two years and their draw against England last weekend was a high-quality match.
“We’re excited to test ourselves against a Northern Hemisphere team for the first time in four years and keen to deliver a performance that showcases both our attacking style and our commitment in defence.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.