NZ U20 Team for the FINAL!

Blues first-five-eighth Stephen Perofeta has been named in the New Zealand team for the final of the World Rugby Under 20 World Championship after Tiaan Falcon was ruled out of the match due to concussion.

The New Zealand Under 20 team plays England in the final at 2.00am NZT tomorrow, Monday 19 June. 

The team is:
1.Ezekiel Lindenmuth  - Auckland      
2.Asafo Aumua   - Wellington
3.Pouri Rakete-Stones  - Hawke’s Bay
4.Isaia Walker-Leawere - Wellington
5.Samuel Slade  - Auckland
6.Luke Jacobson (C)  - Waikato
7.Dalton Papali'i - Auckland
8.Marino Mikaele-Tuu  - Hawke’s Bay
9.Ereatara Enari (VC) - Canterbury
10.Stephen Perofeta - Auckland
11.Caleb Clarke - Auckland
12.Orbyn Leger - Counties Manukau
13.Braydon Ennor - Canterbury
14.Tima Faingaanuku - Tasman
15.Will Jordan - Tasman        
16.JP Sauni  - Auckland                          
17.Harrison Allan - Canterbury
18.Alex Fidow  - Wellington
19.Sam Caird - Waikato
20.Tom Christie - Canterbury                       

21.Kemara Hauiti-Parapara  - Wellington
22.Tamati Tua - Northland
23.Josh McKay - Canterbury

​Starting first-five-eighth Falcon sustained a concussion in the sides semi-final win over France. A star of the tournament, Falcon and team mate Will Jordan have been nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Tournament award with online voting here http://rug.by/U20PlayerOfTheTournament

Perofeta, who played in the Blues recent victory over the British and Irish Lions, joined the squad in Georgia on Friday. Alex Mitchell from Taranaki has also joined the squad as a replacement for Ryan Coxon at prop.

Head Coach Craig Philpott said the team was looking forward to the final. 

“Our young men are excited to add to the legacy of the Black Jersey and perform well in the World Cup Final.”

“Unfortunately, we have had to rule Tiaan out of the final due to concussion which was really disappointing for both him and our whole squad. Luckily we have an awesome replacement in Stephen who played for the Under 20s last year and brings a wealth of experience. 

“The forwards selected have been rewarded for their consistent performances. Our scrum and lineout has been operating at close to 100 percent during the tournament so we need to reproduce that in the final."

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