Junior Wallabies player impressing Eddie Jones plus Aussie U20s stars in battle with Japanese U23s

When the Australian U20s took on and beat former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones’ Japanese U23 side a number of young Aussies stood out - including one he labelled “outstanding’’.

Jones looks on as japan prepares to plays an international rugby test match against New Zealand. Picture: Koki Nagahama/Getty Images

He’s a teenager identified as a gun of the future and now this athletic rising star of rugby has even caught the eye of former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

Australia’s Next Gen Wallabies took on and beat Jones’ Japanese U23 squad with a number of Australian U20 guns impressing in the match.

Former schoolboy star Eli Langi, who played Australian U18s last year, was one of the standouts during the 54-26 win over Japan at Coffs Harbour along with Sydney colts Eamon Doyle, Joe Mangelsdorf and Cooper Watters.

The athletic and skilful teenager turned plenty of heads as a replacement in the match against the touring Japanese side who on Tuesday take on Jones’ old clubmates at the famous Randwick rugby club in Sydney.

“Eli Langi in the second half was great,’’ said new Australian U20s coach Chris Whittaker.

“He is one of those guys he has so many skills you just can’t coach ... he has good feet, he sees the game really well.

“Eddie said he was outstanding.

Eli Langi celebrating the Australia U18s win over New Zealand Schools last year.

“Cooper Watters was great. I’m just so happy he played the way he did. His energy is infectious and he just loves it.

“Joey Magelsdorf is a classic. He is just tough and does the hard work and loves doing it.

“James McMahon is the Queensland halfback and he increased the tempo and the speed of the game and Eamon as we know, is just an outstanding leader.’’

Eamon Doyle playing for the waratahs U2

Whittaker said time spent with and training alongside the Japanese squad was invaluable experience for his young squad who are being aimed at a rugby tournament in South Africa next month and then the world U20 championships later this year.

“We stayed at the same hotel with them all week and Eddie took an opposed session so we did some great high intensity work.

“It was a good hit out for us.’’

On Tuesday the Japan U23 play their final match in Australia against Randwick at Coogee Oval.

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Originally published as Junior Wallabies player impressing Eddie Jones plus Aussie U20s stars in battle with Japanese U23s