Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker has locked in a strong side to face South Africa in Sunday's World U20s Championship opener in Calvisano (11:30 pm).
Whitaker has named Sevens star Aden Ekanayake on the bench for his maiden appearance in 2025.
Watch every match of the U20s World Championships live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Ekanayake is fresh off being nominated for SVNS Rookie of the Year and featured in all five games in the 2024 tournament.
The Aussies defeated South Africa 29-24 in May and have kept a large majority of that team for the rematch.
Props Finn Baxter and Trevor King start alongside Lipina Ata, who scored in the victory during the U20s Rugby Championship.
Eamon Doyle retains the captaincy in the second-row, with Charlie Brosnan moved from the back-row to lock.
It allows for young guns Eli Langi and Tom Robinson to start, as the flankers continue their meteoric rise following their efforts in Australia U18's win over New Zealand last year.
Brumbies number eight Beau Morrison completes the forward pack, having started against New Zealand and South Africa in May.
In the backs, it's an all-NSW pairing of Hwi Sharples and Joey Fowler, with Sharples out for redemption after a hamstring injury ended his U20s campaign last year, days before the opening game.
Boston Fakafanua and Xavier Rubens partner in the centres, with Reds breakout star Dre Pakeho ruled out before the tournament due to injury.
Sevens star Sid Harvey retains his spot at fullback, with Shane Wilcox and Cooper Watters on the wings.
The bench is a 6-2 split, with James Martens and Joe Dillon the lone back replacements.
Toby Brial is one of four Waratahs forwards on the bench, including Nathaniel Tititi, Edwin Langi and Joe Mangelsdorf, with Force hooker Ollie Barrett completing the side.
11.30pm AEST (3.30pm local) Sunday 29 June, Stadio San Michele, Calvisano
1. Finn Baxter (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)
2. Lipina Ata (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)
3. Trevor King (Queensland Reds, Souths)
4. Charlie Brosnan (Queensland Reds, Brothers)
5. Eamon Doyle (c) (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
6. Eli Langi (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)
7. Tom Robinson (Queensland Reds, University of Queensland)
8. Beau Morrison (ACT Brumbies, Sydney University)
9. Hwi Sharples (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
10. Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
11. Shane Wilcox (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)
12. Boston Fakafanua (Western Force, Wests Scarborough)
13. Xavier Rubens (Queensland Reds, Souths)
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. Edwin Langi (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
19. Joe Mangelsdorf (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
20. Toby Brial (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
21. Aden Ekanayake (Australia Sevens)
22. James Martens (Queensland Reds, GPS Rugby Club)
23. Joe Dillon (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals)
