The New Zealand Under 20 team to play Scotland in Italy tomorrow for the opening match of the World Rugby Under 20 Championship has been named.
The team is:
1 Ricky Riccitelli Hawke's Bay
2 Liam Polwart Auckland
3 Atunaisa Moli (c) Waikato
4 Joshua Goodhue Canterbury
5 James Blackwell Wellington
6 Akira Ioane Auckland
7 Mitchell Karpik Auckland
8 Blake Gibson Auckland
9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi Taranaki
10 Mitchell Hunt Auckland
11 Tevita Li North Harbour
12 Tinoai (TJ) Faiane Auckland
13 Jack Goodhue (vc) Canterbury
14 Nathaniel Apa Canterbury
15 George Bridge Canterbury
Reserves:
16 Steven Misa Waikato
17 Aidan Ross Bay of Plenty
18 Isileli Tu'ungafasi Auckland
19 Geoffrey Cridge Hawke's Bay
20 Henry Stowers Wellington
21 Harrison Levien Waikato
22 Luteru Laulala Canterbury
23 Sean Wainui Taranaki
According to Coach Scott Robertson, experience is what sets this team apart from others,“There are several players in the team who played World Under 20s last year, as well as some who’ve gained valuable time on the field in both Super Rugby and ITM Cup matches,”
“Akira Ioane and Blake Gibson have been among the outstanding performers this season, and together with an experienced captain and vice captain in Atu Moli and Jack Goodhue, we believe we have a balanced squad with experience across the park."
“We’ve selected on merit from outings at the recent Oceania Championship. With only 28 players in the squad, we expect everyone to be involved in this tournament and have a lot more playing time.”
Ngāi Tūhoe's Otere Black, who has recently been playing for the Hurricanes will head off to Italy this week to join his team for the match against Argentina this coming weekend.
Robertson says that Scotland will give New Zealand a good run in the opening match.
“Scotland have a tough forward pack and rely heavily on set piece. They also have some real talent in their backline. They’re a very willing team who are fiercely proud, so we need to ensure we nail our preparation for this match." he says.
The match, being played at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, kicks off on Tuesday 2 June at 8.30pm local time (Wednesday 3 June, 6:30am NZT).
