The Australian junior rugby union team hopes it can replicate last year's thrashing of Canada in this year's world championship opener in Japan on Friday night.

Young gun Damian Fitzpatrick will captain the under 20-side for the championship at Best Amenity Stadium in Fukuoka.

At last year's tournament in Wales, Australia had a convincing 81-12 victory over the Canadians.

Fitzpatrick will play hooker and is joined by several of his NSW Waratah teammates with Kurtley Beale named at fullback and Rob Horne at outside centre.

Andrew Shaw, son of former Wallaby captain Tony Shaw, has been named as blindside flanker with Richard Kingi at halfback and Matt Toomua from the Brumbies wearing the No.10 jumper.

Australia are in Pool D and will meet Tonga on June 9 and Wales on June 13.

The team is vying to top the pool to advance to the semi-finals.

New Zealand are the reigning champions while Australia finished fifth last year.

Australia: Kurtley Beale, Rod Davies, Robert Horne, Ben Tapui, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Matt Toomua, Richard Kingi, Jake Schatz, Sam Latinipulu, Andrew Shaw, Robert Simmons, Kane Douglas, James Slipper, Damian Fitzpatrick, Albert Anae. Reserves: Nathan Charles, Kesomi Lolotonga, David McDuling, Tom Murday, Nick White, Robbie Coleman, Dane Haylett-Petty.

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