New Zealand Under 20 team named to play Scotland in World Rugby Under 20 Championship
The New Zealand team to face Scotland tomorrow in their opening match of the World Rugby Under 20 Championship 2015 in Parma, Italy, has been named.
The team is as follows:
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
Coach Scott Robertson believes that his team’s experience is one of their strengths.
“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,” he explained.
“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.”
First five-eighth Otere Black, who has been starting for the Hurricanes in recent weeks, will be jetting his way to Italy tomorrow to join the team for this weekend’s game against Argentina.
The team has settled in at their Italian base outside of Parma and has already drawn big crowds to their training sessions.
“We’re based in a little village outside Parma and managed to grab the end of their annual Rugby Festival. They have given us a warm welcome, getting autographs and photos with our boys. We’ve had several hundred people watching at our trainings.
“It’s a perfect Italian summer, the weather is great and it’s been in the mid 20s. The boys have settled in well and are over their jet lag. We’ve had a decent hit out at training and are working on getting the team prepared for the 8.30pm (NZT Wednesday 6:30am) kick-off time.
Robertson said Scotland would undoubtedly test them in their first outing of the tournament. “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.”
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).
Live Broadcast
NZ v Scotland will be broadcast live on SKY Sports 1 from 6.23am NZT.
NZ Under 20 playing schedule (local times):
Tuesday, 2 June 8.30pm (Wednesday 3 June, 6.30am NZT) v Scotland, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
Saturday, 6 June 6.30pm (Sunday 7 June, 4:30am NZT) NZ v Argentina, Stadio San Michele, Calvisano
Wednesday, 10 June 8:30pm (Thursday 11 June, 6.30am NZT) NZ v Ireland, Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana
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