ACT Brumbies rookie Tom Staniforth has been forced to withdraw from the opening game of the junior rugby World Cup.
ACT Brumbies rookie Tom Staniforth has been forced to withdraw from the opening game of the junior rugby world cup.
Staniforth was left out of the Australian under-20s side for its first game against Argentina in Pukekohe, New Zealand, on Monday morning.
The 19-year-old, who has just signed his first professional contract to play for the Brumbies for the next two Super Rugby seasons, is expected to be fit for Australia's second game of the tournament, against England in Auckland on Friday.
Canberra trio Allan Alaalatoa, Joe Powell and Rowan Perry have all been picked in the starting XV against Argentina.
Tighthead prop Alaalatoa also has signed a full-time contract with the Brumbies, while Tuggeranong Vikings duo Powell, a scrumhalf, and Perry, an openside flanker, are using the tournament to launch their careers.
Melbourne Rebels forward Sean McMahon will lead the team into action.
The junior world cup has been a breeding ground for future Wallabies, with Michael Hooper and Liam Gill playing in the same team three years ago.
Staniforth is one of the team's vice-captains and played every minute of every game at last year's junior world cup.