NZ Rugby U20 starting line up named for opening game

New Zealand under 20 team named for opening Oceania match against Australia  
   
​The New Zealand side to play the opening match of the Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship against Australia tomorrow, has been named.

The team is:

1    Ayden Johnstone
2    Leni Apisai, captain
3    Pouri Rakete-Stones
4    Quinten Strange
5    Sam Caird
6    Luke Jacobson
7    Mitch Jacobson
8    Marino Mikaele-Tu’u
9    Sam Nock
10    Stephen Perofeta
11    Mason Emerson
12    Jordie Barrett
13    Patelesio Tomkinson
14    Jonah Lowe
15    Peter Umaga-Jensen

Reserves
16    Asafo Aumua
17    Shaun Stodart
18    Alex Fidow
19    Lui Luamanu
20    Dalton Papali’i
21    Ereatara Enari
22    Orbyn Leger
23    Josh Mckay


New Zealand Under 20 Head Coach Scott Robertson said the Oceania tournament was an invaluable opportunity for players to make a final push for the World Championship squad.

“The players are pretty excited and so are we.  This is a hugely important part of preparing our side for the World Championship.  We’ve had a good preparation on and off the field, and it was good to be able to focus on getting our processes right, and getting the boys tight.”

New Zealand faces Australia at Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia tomorrow at 6:30pm local time (NZT 8:30pm).  Their second match will be played on Saturday at 4pm (NZT 6pm) at Bond University.

Robertson also confirmed late injury replacements to the squad in Australia.  Josh McKay from Canterbury has been called in as injury cover for fellow Cantabrian Caleb Makene, and Taranaki’s Finn Hoeata was ruled out with a knee injury meaning a late travel call up for replacement Caleb Aperahama of Canterbury.

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