New Zealand select U21 squad
'We have real depth and a wide group of talented individuals'
Seven Super 14 players have been included in the New Zealand team for next month's International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championships in France.
New Zealand Under-21 coach Greg Cooper has named Stephen Brett (Crusaders), Richard Kahui (Highlanders), Serge Lilo (Hurricanes), Lelia Masaga (Chiefs), George Pisi (Blues), William Ripia (Highlanders), and Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a (Blues) in the 26-man squad.
The team also features 13 players from last year's New Zealand Under-21 squad and will again be led by Jamie Mackintosh, who captained the team in 2005.
Cooper said the majority of the Super 14 players had limited game time in the competition and came into the Under-21 trial camp fresh.
"They brought a level of competitiveness to the trial camp and that was a benefit to everyone. New Zealand rugby is in the fortunate position that we have real depth and a wide group of talented individuals," Cooper said.
New Zealand squad: *Aaron Bancroft (Canterbury), *Stephen Brett (Canterbury), Arden David (Wellington), Hikawera Elliot (Hawke's Bay), Robbie Flynn (Tasman), Matt Holloway (Canterbury), *Richard Kahui (Waikato, vice captain), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), *Serge Lilo (Wellington), Lance MacDonald (Bay of Plenty), *Jamie Mackintosh (Southland, captain), Lelia Masaga (Counties Manukau), Albey Mathewson (Wellington), *Taniela Moa (Auckland), *Miah Nikora (Wellington), Michael Paterson (Canterbury), George Pisi (North Harbour), *Kieran Read (Canterbury), *Michael Reid (North Harbour), *William Ripia (Waikato), *James Somerset (Auckland), *Jeremy Thrush (Wellington), Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a (Auckland), *Mikaele Tuu'u (Canterbury), Matt Wallis (Bay of Plenty), Ryan Wilson (North Harbour).
* These players were in the 2005 New Zealand Under-21 squad
New Zealand is in Pool C with Scotland and Fiji but the cross-pool format of the competition means that New Zealand will face Italy, England and Australia in pool play.
New Zealand's schedule of pool matches:
Friday 9 June: v Italy, Riom
Tuesday 13 June: v England, Vichy
Saturday 17 June: v Australia, Vichy
The play-offs are scheduled for Wednesday 21 June with the final on Sunday 25 June.
