'Canes hooker to lead NZ U20s at Oceania tournament
New Zealand face Australia at Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia on Tuesday, with their second match scheduled for Saturday, May 6 at Bond University.
New Zealand Under-20 head coach Scott Robertson believes the Oceania tournament is an invaluable opportunity for players to make a final push for the World Championship squad.
“The players are pretty excited and so are we," said Robertson.
"This is a hugely important part of preparing our side for the World Championship.
"We’ve had a good preparation on and off the field, and it was good to be able to focus on getting our processes right, and getting the boys tight.”
Robertson also confirmed late injury replacements to the squad in Australia.
Canterbury's Josh McKay has been called in as injury cover for fellow Cantabrian Caleb Makene, and Taranaki’s Finn Hoeata was ruled out with a knee injury meaning a late travel call up for replacement Caleb Aperahama of Canterbury.
New Zealand: 15 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 14 Jonah Lowe, 13 Patelesio Tomkinson, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mason Emerson, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Mitch Jacobson, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Sam Caird, 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2 Leni Apisai (captain), 1 Ayden Johnstone.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Shaun Stodart, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Lui Luamanu, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Orbyn Leger, 23 Josh Mckay.
Full New Zealand squad for the Oceania Championship:
Forwards:
Ayden Johnstone
Mason Kean
Shaun Stodart
Sean Paranihi
Alex Fidow
Pouri Rakete-Stones
Leni Apisai (captain)
Asafo Aumua
Quinten Strange
Sam Caird
Caleb Aperahama
Mitchell Jacobson
Luke Jacobson
Dalton Papali’i
Marino Mikaele Tu'u
Backs:
Jonathan Taumateine
Sam Nock
Stephen Perofeta
Jordie Barrett
Patelesio Tomkinson
Orbyn Leger
Jonah Lowe
Malo Tuitama
Peter Umaga-Jensen
Ereatara Enari
Mason Emerson
Caleb Makene
Josh McKay
Matthew Lansdown
