What Junior Wallabies selectors want to see from rising stars in Super Rugby U19 series
Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Gray wants big improvement in a number of key areas from teenagers vying for selection in his squad during the final games of the Super Rugby 19s series.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Gray said tough lessons were learned at the 2023 Under 20 World Cup which must be applied for success at the next event in 2024 in South Africa for Australia to be more successful.
It’s why the former Wallaby is looking for certain traits from young players in the final matches of the Super Rugby U19s series which doubles as a selection trial for an extended Junior Wallabies squad.
It’s also why he wants to see improvement in specific areas of the game as the competition heads into the fifth round this weekend with the Waratahs hosting Western Force on Sunday at Forshaw Park and the Queensland Reds host the Brumbies on Saturday.
“We look at this with the experience of the World Cup last year and I know the level of competition at this level,’’ Gray said.
“Defensively I would like more aggression in tackle and looking to tackle first not make the turnover.
JERSEYS ON LINE IN SUPER RUGBY 16S
“Line outs across the whole board needs to get better.’’
Gray said Australia must sent out bigger, stronger, taller and more physical players in the future.
“The lessons learned from World Cup is we need to be bigger, physically bigger, and we need to continue to use our skill, speed and tactical ability as a point of different. We did that well but we need to do it with bigger athletes,’’ Gray said.
“If you want to win we have to have the ammunition.
“From the height perspective we are good. It’s the bulk. Something we have to work on.’’
The Super Rugby U19s series will help selectors deliver a Junior Wallabies squad of around 40.
This squad will be named in the wake of the Super Rugby 19s grand final with a camp to be held in the new year.
A number of matches are also being played prior to the World Cup in South Africa in June.
SANZAAR earlier this year announced an Under 20 version of The Rugby Championship will be played in 2024 between the rising stars of Australia, New Zealand and South African rugby in a sensational pathway for younger players into senior and international rugby.
“It’s huge. There is so much going on,’’ Gray said.
More Coverage
Originally published as What Junior Wallabies selectors want to see from rising stars in Super Rugby U19 series
Port fans go scorched earth on Ken Hinkley
The Swans have marched into another grand final, but Ken Hinkley was the name on many lips after he fell short yet again.
Emphatic Swans crush Power to leave no doubts, book GF spot
They’ve been the best team all season. Now, the Swans are set to play for the AFL premiership after dismantling the Power at home to book their ticket to the big dance.