Secret behind Junior Wallabies historic World Cup charge

As the Australian under-20s side prepares to become the first Junior Wallabies to win the World Cup, captain Fraser McReight reveals how the team built their success.

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A simple camping trip has been hailed as the key to Australia’s incredible charge to the World Rugby Under-20s final.

Australian under-20s captain Fraser McReight revealed that the tight-knit bond within the group was sown three months ago before they won the Oceania title, and they’re now on the verge of becoming the first Junior Wallabies team to win the World Cup if they topple defending champions France in Argentina on Sunday (4.20am AEST).

“It all started in March, we had a two-day camp in the Snowy Mountains, and it wasn’t like a tedious school camp, we were there for six hours and all we did was cook and chat sh*t pretty much,” McReight said.

Junior Wallabies are gunning for history at the under-20s World Cup. Picture: Getty

“That’s where we began our first friendships, we have some great characters in the team and we were able to form some really good bonds.

“That carried on through Oceania with a great win there [against New Zealand] and then through to the World Cup.

“It’s just building, our culture is awesome; we go to breakfast together, we go for coffees together. We’re just one unit and everyone gets along, which is really rare in a rugby team.

“If we can do our job [in the final], we’re going to win the tournament.”

Australia has made the under-20s final just once before, in 2010 also in Argentina, but suffered a humiliating 62-17 loss to New Zealand in that decider.

Captain Fraser McReight. Picture: Rugby AU Media/Luke Marsden

This side is determined to create history.

“It feels unreal, it’s a bit ironic that the last time we made a final was nine years ago in Argentina, but it’s a good omen and hopefully we do one better and win the bloody thing,” McReight said.

The skipper highlighted their 34-13 semi-final win over the host nation, in which they won the second half 17-0 despite playing with 14 men after halfback Michael McDonald was red-carded late in the first half, as evidence of their grit.

“We didn’t concede a point and we put three tries on them, it shows you the character of the boys and the courage in the group we have,” McReight said.