What Junior Wallabies coach Chris Whitaker looking for in Waratahs, Reds, Force, Brumbies trials

Skills, traits and characters the coach charged with bringing through the next generation of Wallabies wants to see in a series of games helping create a squad to take rugby into the future.

Archie Saunders scoring in an U19s game. Picture: Julian Andrews

They are the skills, traits and characters new Australian U20s coach Chris Whitaker and fellow selectors want to see from the rising stars of rugby in a special series of games helping him forge a talent squad to take Australian rugby into the future.

The coach charged with bringing through the next generation of Wallabies has a list of things he wants to see over the next month in a series of games helping create a squad to take rugby into the future

The trial matches involving the NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and Western Force will be played across March in a bonanza for fans of the game and its future.

And watching with more interest than anyone is Whitaker who has taken over the reigns of the Australian U20s from former Wallaby Nathan Gray ahead of a number of big tournaments in 2025.

Whitaker, a former Wallaby, Waratah and assistant Tahs coach is acquainting himself with the rising tide of teen talent in the country as he looks to create a group of players capable of shaking things up at the U20 World Cup later this year - an event Australia has never won.

“Some of the key points are the effort of getting off the ground, effort of getting into positions, effort on the ground in getting the ball back,’’ Whitaker said.

Chris Whitaker taking on the Brumbies back in 2004.

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“The set piece is a big part of our game as well.

“Everyone wants someone to compete with that mindset of trying to win everything. That will mean they are tough and physical.’’

Whitaker said size and speed and a bit of X-factor are also important along with a desire to win.

“A Max Jorgensen style who can change the game. Someone with X-factor,’’ he said.

Everyone wants some to compete … that mindset of trying to win everything. that will mean toughness and physical.

Whitaker said the series of match which kick off with a game between the Waratah and Brumbies on Saturday in Canberra, are important for both the players and coaches.

“For me personally I haven’t been in this space and it’s the first live games with the selection piece attached,” he said,

A highlight of the series will be a showcase of NSW youth at Daceyville on March 8 where the Waratahs and Reds U18s will clash prior to the Waratahs U20s taking on their Western Force opposites.

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Originally published as What Junior Wallabies coach Chris Whitaker looking for in Waratahs, Reds, Force, Brumbies trials