28/3/2018 NZRU name strong U20 squadNew Zealand Under 20 Head Coach Craig Philpott has named the squad for next month’s Oceania Rugby Championship in Australia. The squad is; Forwards: John Akau'ola-Laula - Auckland Suetena Asomua - Counties Manukau Tom Christie (Captain) - Canterbury Rob Cobb - Auckland Devan Flanders - Hawke's Bay Tom Florence - Taranaki Ricky Jackson - Otago Tevita Mafileo - Bay of Plenty Laghlan McWhannell - Waikato Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa - Auckland Bradley Slater - Taranaki Hoskins Sotutu - Auckland Flynn Thomas - Southland Will Tucker - Canterbury Kaliopasi Uluilakepa - Wellington Backs: Leicester Faingaanuku - Tasman Will Jordan - Tasman Vilimoni Koroi - Otago Ciarahn Matoe - Taranaki Harry Plummer - Auckland Carlos Price - Wellington Billy Proctor - Wellington Ngane Punivai - Canterbury Jay Renton - Southland Xavier Roe - Waikato Bailyn Sullivan - Waikato Tanielu Tele'a - Auckland Kaleb Trask - Bay of Plenty 2- 3 players to be named Players not considered due to Super Rugby commitments Caleb Clarke - Blues Players not considered due to injury Tim Farrell - Hawke's Bay Brayden Iose - Manawatu Ajay Mua - Bay of Plenty Xavier Numia - Wellington Cameron Suafoa - Auckland Sheldon Tovio - WaikatoPhilpott said that more than 60 players had been involved in the camps to this point, which makes final selection a tough process. “We feel we have selected a team that is capable of playing the New Zealand brand of rugby. This is a skilful group of well-conditioned athletes who are also good young men,” said Philpott. Canterbury’s Tom Christie will captain the team. The loose forward was a member of the 2017 World Championship winning squad, has Mitre 10 Cup experience and spent time with the Crusaders during the pre-season. "Tom understands what is required to be involved in a successful World Championship campaign. He comes out of a strong professional environment and is a quality leader who we are confident will meet the challenge head on.” Alongside Christie, there are five returning players who played in the Oceania Championships last year, as well as six players who will be eligible again in 2019. The squad will assemble in Auckland next month before departing for the Gold Coast on 24 April. “This tournament is crucial in our World Championship preparation. It’s the opportunity to take the group away for two weeks, get to know them more closely and for them to understand the responsibilities that come with wearing the black jersey. “It also sees us play three games in 12 days which mirrors pool play in the World Championship so that helps players to understand what is required in terms of recovery and self-management,” said Philpott. The Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship will see New Zealand play matches against Tonga (27 April), Fiji (1 May) and Australia (5 May). The team will be looking to claim the fifth title in as many years. The World Rugby Under 20 Championship kicks off in France in May. New Zealand will face Japan, Wales and Australia in pool play. |
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