Ekanayake to start for Australia U20s in must-win England match – by Nathan Williamson

Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker has turned to Sevens star Aden Ekanayake as they look to take down England on Thursday (AEST).

Ekanayake has been handed his first start of the year at number eight as part of several changes from the team that defeated Scotland.

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The Gordon product will link up with Reds flanker Charlie Brosnan, who started at lock against South Africa, and Tom Robinson in the back-row.

Finn Baxter makes his return to the starting side at loosehead prop, with the second-row combination of skipper Eamon Doyle and Joe Mangelsdorf once again selected.

Joey Fowler starts at flyhalf, partnering with Reds scrum-half James Martens, who had a hand in several tries during last week’s win.

It’s the lone change to the starting backline, with Sid Harvey, Cooper Watters and Nicholas Conway staying as the back-three.

Ollie Barrett and Eli Langi have been added to the bench as Whitaker opts for a 6-2 split.

Hwi Sharples and Joe Dillion round out the team as the lone backs replacements.

The Australians need a bonus point win over the defending champions and results to go their way if they are to keep their slim semi-final hopes alive.

The top team from each pool and the highest-ranked second place team will advance to the finals, with the rest to play off for position.

England, who finished second in the Six Nations U20s, are fresh off a tough defeat to South Africa. 

1.30am AEST Thursday 10 July (3.30pm Wednesday 9 July local)

Payanini Center, Verona

1. Finn Baxter (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)

2. Lipina Ata (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)

3. Edwin Langi (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

4. Joe Mangelsdorf (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

5. Eamon Doyle (c) (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

6. Charlie Brosnan (Queensland Reds, Brothers)

7. Tom Robinson (Queensland Reds, University of Queensland)

8. Aden Ekanayake (Australia Sevens)

9. James Martens (Queensland Reds, GPS Rugby Club)

10. Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

11. Nicholas Conway (Queensland Reds, Wests Bulldogs)

12. Malakye Enasio (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)

13. Liam Grover (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

14. Cooper Watters (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

15. Sid Harvey (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

Replacements

16. Ollie Barrett (Western Force, Associates RUFC)

17. Nathaniel Tiitii (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

18. Trevor King (Queensland Reds, Souths)

19. Ollie Aylmer (ACT Brumbies, Gordon)

20. Eli Langi (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)

21. Toby Brial (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

22. Hwi Sharples (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)

23. Joe Dillon (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals)