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Preview: Gold Coast sweep beckons for NZ U20

Robertson said he was impressed by the resolve of his side in the 30-10 win at Bond University on Tuesday.

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“We brought 30 players over so wanted to give everyone a run ahead of the World Championships in June,” said Robertson.

"We have a lot of young players in the side, so it’s a great chance to expose them at this level.

“I’m really stoked with the young fellas and how they have connected as a group. 

"They’ve bonded on and off the field, and it showed when it got tough that they are willing to dig in for each other.

“It’s something for us to build on. 

"We have six players due to come back from Super Rugby as well so we are building some great depth at this level.”

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With the opening game in the balance until just after halftime, Robertson said it was the bench that made a big impact.

“Alex Fidow was a wrecking ball and really opened up some holes in the Australian defence. 

"He gets a crack in the number three jersey this week.”

Southland’s Shaun Stodart also comes in at loosehead prop to join Captain Leni Apisai in a new-look front row.

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“We’ve had a few things to work on throughout the week," said Apisai. 

"Our execution really let us down at times during the first match so we want to be more clinical tomorrow."

Another feature of the side is the talented Jordie Barrett at inside centre. 

The brother of All Blacks utility back Beauden Barrett starred in game one with 15 points and will be partnered by Orbyn Leger on his inside. 

The New Zealand Under 20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester in June will be named on Tuesday, May 10.

Meanwhile, Australia U20 head coach Adrian Thompson has made five changes to the starting XV that fell to New Zealand with Rebels centre, Sione Tuipolotu and  Australian Sevens squad member, Simon Kennewell brought into the starting line-up.

For many players this is the last chance to put their hand up for selection in the squad to go to Manchester in June which will be announced in the coming days.

“We spoke after the game on Tuesday about lifting our standards across the whole squad after the performance we put out against New Zealand on Tuesday," said Thompson.

“The lads have regrouped and worked hard at training but we need to translate that to a committed match performance on Saturday night.”

Australia: 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Simon Kennewell, 13 Liam Jurd, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Joey Fittock, 10 Mack Mason, 9 Angus Fowler, 8 Maclean Jones (captain), 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Ryan McCauley, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Joshua Taylor, 1 Faalelei Sione.

Replacements: 16 Richie  Asiata kelemete, 17 Vunipola Fifita, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Rob Leota, 20 Harley Fox, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Nick Jooste, 23 Ah-mu Tuimalealiifano.

New Zealand: 15 Caleb Makene, 14 Malo Tuitama, 13 Patelesio Tomkinson, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Jonah Lowe, 10 Orbyn Leger, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Marino Mikaele Tu’u, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Sam Caird, 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Alex Fidow, 2 Leni Apisai (captain), 1 Shaun Stodart.

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Sean Paranihi, 19 Lui Luamanu, 20 Caleb Aperahama, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Stephen Perofeta, 23 Mason Emerson.

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