Promising young West Australian players, Carlo Tizzano and Michael McDonald have been named as part of the Junior Wallabies squad to play in the 2019 World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Argentina in June.
Both McDonald and Tizzano have developed their craft through the RugbyWA Senior Academy pathway. It has been a big year for the pair with both having made their debuts for the Western Force in the Global Rapid Rugby competition as well as helping the Junior Wallabies to victory in the recent Oceania U20s Championship.
Inclusion in Australia’s U20 team is particularly sweet for Tizzano after initially being invited to join the Junior Wallabies camp as an injury cover for the Oceanic Championship.
His work rate and application to the team made a lasting impression and Tizzano said he is excited but ready for the challenges of playing against the best young players in the world.
“When you play these international teams you get different types of styles. Fiji has a real offloading/free-flowing game, Japan has a different style which includes a lot of cross-field kicks.
I’m looking forward to seeing England and Ireland too,” Tizzano said.
“It will be great to see what type of styles I can learn from them and go from there.”
The 19-year-old flanker said Saturday’s 24-point victory against the Junior All Blacks on the Gold Coast highlighted the hard work and determination of the team, while also giving the side plenty of confidence heading to Argentina next month.
“The All Blacks are definitely an 80-minute team, some teams can only go the 60 so we knew going into the match that we really needed to pressure them hard,” Tizzano said.
“I feel like we did that and ruffled a few feathers.
“We ended up getting a real nice win, especially keeping them scoreless as well which was unreal and it was really good to be a part of that.”
While acknowledging he is still learning his trade, Tizzano doesn’t take a backwards step on the field and will look to continue to bring enthusiasm and passion when called upon.
“I’m just looking to do my part where I can, I’m more than happy to do what’s best for the team. A lot of my focus when I come on is to bring the energy I can to the team,” he said.
2019 World Rugby U20s Championship Pool B Fixtures*
Tuesday 4 June Junior Wallabies v Italy, 11.30pm AEST, Club de Rugby Ateneo Inmaculada,Santa Fe
Sunday 9 June Junior Wallabies v Ireland, 4.30am AEST, Club de Rugby Ateneo Inmaculada, Santa Fe
Thursday 13 June Junior Wallabies v England, 4.30am AEST, Club de Rugby Ateneo Inmaculada, Santa Fe
2019 World Rugby U20s Championship Full Squad
Forwards
Bo Abra, Eastern Suburbs
Angus Bell, Sydney University
Darcy Breen, Sydney University
Joe Cotton, Wests Bulldogs
Nick Frost, Queanbeyan Whites*
Esei Ha’angana, Melbourne Unicorns
Will Harris, Eastern Suburbs
Trevor Hosea, Harlequins Rugby Club
Lachlan Lonergan, Tuggeranong Vikings
Fraser McReight ©, Brothers
Josh Nasser, University of Queensland
Pat Tafa, Northern Suburbs
Carlo Tizzano, University of Western Australia
Rhys Van Nek, Easts*
Harry Wilson, Brothers
Michael Wood, Brothers
Backs
Ben Donaldson, Randwick
Will Harrison, Randwick
Noah Lolesio, Tuggeranong Vikings
Michael McDonald, Palmyra
Mark Nawaqanitawase, Eastwood
Kye Oates, University of Queensland
Triston Reilly, AU7s
Sione Tui, Melbourne Unicorns
Semisi Tupou, Box Hill
Joey Walton, Gordon
*Denotes uncapped player
2019 World Rugby U20s Championship Pool B Fixtures^
Tuesday 4 June
Junior Wallabies v Italy, 11.30pm AEST, Club de Rugby Ateneo Inmaculada, Santa Fe
Sunday 9 June
Junior Wallabies v Ireland, 4.30am AEST, Club de Rugby Ateneo Inmaculada, Santa Fe
Thursday 13 June
Junior Wallabies v England, 4.30am AEST, Club de Rugby Ateneo Inmaculada, Santa Fe
Photos: rugby.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
