Australia U16s v Pacific All Stars team lists, how coaches want rugby rising stars to play

It’s rugby with a twist. A different style both the Australian U16 and Pacific All Stars coaches want their youngsters to embrace and play in their first ever battle in Canberra on Tuesday.

Australian Rugby Coach Tim Rapp wants to set his players free and see what happens when they take on the Pacific All Stars in Canberra in junior rugby’s newest challenge.

The best under 16 players in the country will take on the best of the best from the Pacifika Youth Cup played in Sydney last month in an exciting addition to the junior rugby calendar.

“There are a good amount of footballers willing to try and take risk and that is good for Australian rugby. It’s exciting for Australian rugby,’’ Rapp said.

“These guys haven’t been overcoached. Sometimes coaches make it harder than it needs to be.

Our focus is to let them express themselves on the football pitch and see what happens.

“We’re not going to give them too much info, so they can’t think for themselves. We want decision-makers out there.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN AUS V ALL STARS

NSW Tahs and Reds players dominate the Australian squad.

“We also want them to try new things. At this age, their natural instinct is to play football and that’s what we want to see.

“We want to let them fly. Our job is to make sure their skills are at a high-level and to make better choices. The rest is up to them.’’

Mark Gerrard is coaching the All Stars team alongside Fotu Auelua, Campese Ma’afu and Dave Denis.

NSW player Rex Bassingthwaighte in the Super Rugby U16 series. Picture: Julian Andrews

Gerrard said his plan is also to unleash his players and let them express themselves.

“We won’t shackle them. They can play it as we see it and we’d like to see a free flowing game,” he said

It’s really exciting to see these kids play at this level in at this age. They play great rugby and we are going to be a bit unique and how we play.’’

NSW Waratahs played dominate the Australian squad with 12 selections including player of the Super Rugby U16 final, Justice Taumoepeau.

The Reds, who lost to the Tahs in the final, have eight players while Brumbies back Denzel Veikune earned his squad position with four tries in three games.

PACIFIC ALL STARS TEAM: Andre Posesione, Chayse Geros, Cynseah Tautalafua, Filipe Huahulu, Henare Reti, Isaac Fotu-Moale, Jerome Pongi, Jireh Stewart, Keegan Daly, Lucas Harding, Maddox Fui, Christian Taupau-Moors, Marcellus Iakopo, Matiasi Falaniko, Nikolao Tavita, Noah Lemusu, Phoenix Godinet, Phoenix Tauasa, Roman Tuaimau, Taj Mailei, Tony Fakahau, Velangilala Vakauta, Zak Seckold. Coaches: Fotu Auelua, Mark Gerrard, Campese Ma’afu, Dave Denis.

AUSTRALIAN U16s 2023 Squad: Forwards: Bennett Armistead, Reds, Berakah Tuifaasisina, Reds, Daryus Sione, Waratahs, Ed Baxter, Waratahs, James Finegan, Waratahs, Jarvis Orr, Waratahs, Justice Taumoepeau, Waratahs, Kiama Jione, Reds, Kingsley Uys, Reds, Lewis Wilson, Waratahs, Liam Robinson, Reds, Marcus Mastro, Waratahs, Louis Treacy, Rebels

Will Ross, Reds. Backs: Angus Grover, Waratahs, Cameron Kirsten, Brumbies, Denzel Veikune, Brumbies, Finn McKay, Reds, Heamasi Makasini, Waratahs, Liam Collett, Brumbies,

Onitoni Large, Waratahs, Peni Naqau, Force, Rex Bassingthwaighte, Waratahs, Tom Hartman, Waratahs, Treyvon Pritchard, Reds. Coaches: Tim Rapp, Cam Blades and Ryan Schultz,