Apisai to lead Kiwis into Ocean U20 tournament
The Kiwis will take on their Australian counterparts in a two-match Oceania Under-20 tournament.
New Zealand U20 coach Scott Robertson feel that Apisai is mature enough to lead the team, giving his performance for the Super Rugby franchise the Hurricanes.
"Leni is just an impressive young man who leads a pack well on the field," Robertson said.
"He has already shown a maturity beyond his years, in the way he has stepped up to starting for the Hurricanes when veteran hookers Dane Coles and Motu Matu'u were ruled out injured at the start of the season."
The coach is very pleased with the available talent.
According to Robertson the trail matches they hosted last month really helped the selectors in choosing the right breed to represent the country.
He stated" "We got to see the players in that intense game environment, and we got to see how they responded to the pressure of playing and competing for places."
The Oceania Under-20 tournament will be contested between Australia and New Zealand.
Robertson does not underestimate his opponents.
"We have two tough test matches against a strong Australian team in this Oceania tournament."
The Oceania Tournament is ideal conditions to prepare for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
Thus, Scott Robertson's focus is not solely on the Oceania Tournament.
The New Zealand World Rugby Under-20 Championship squad will be named in May after the Oceania squad returns to New Zealand.
These are some of the players who he has in mind, but unfortunately will not be joining the Oceania Tournament due to injuries and Super Rugby commitments.
Players not selected due to injuries include Matthew Lansdown (Waikato), Jahrome Brown (Waikato), Hugh Renton (Hawke's Bay), Ere Enari (Canterbury), Harrison Levien (Waikato), Lisati Milo-Harris (Auckland).
Shaun Stevenson from Waikato is not selected due to his Super Rugby Commitments.
The squad assembles in Auckland on April 24 and will play a match against the Blues Development XV on 28 April.
They will be travelling to the Gold Coast to face Australia on May 3 and 7.
New Zealand Under-20:
Forwards: Ayden Johnstone (Waikato), Mason Kean (Hawke's Bay), Shaun Stodart (Otago), Sean Paranihi (Canterbury), Alex Fidow (Wellington), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawkes Bay), Leni Apisai, (Wellington/Hurricanes – captain), Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Hamish Dalzell (Canterbury), Quinten Strange (Tasman), Sam Caird (Waikato), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Wellington), Fin Hoeata (Taranaki), Mitchell Jacobson (Waikato), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Dalton Papali'i (Auckland), Hapakuki Moala- Liava'a (North Harbour), Marino Mikaele Tu'u (Hawke's Bay).
Backs: Jonathan Taumateine (Counties-Manukau), Sam Nock (Northland/Blues), TJ Va'a (Wellington/Hurricanes), Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki), Jordie Barrett (Canterbury), Patelesio Tomkinson (Otago/Highlanders), Orbyn Leger (Counties Manukau), Jonah Lowe (Hawke's Bay), Malo Tuitama (Wellington), Peter Umaga Jensen (Wellington), Mason Emerson (Hawke's Bay), Jordan Trainor (Waikato/Blues), Caleb Makene (Canterbury).
