Ioane, Gibson start for NZ U20
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New Zealand Under-20 coach Scott Robertson has opted for an experienced team to face Scotland in their opening match of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship 2015 in Italy.
Robertson believes that his team’s experience is one of their strengths.
"There are several players in the team who played World Rugby Under-20 Championship last year, as well as some who’ve gained valuable time on the field in both Super Rugby and NPC Cup matches," he explained.
"Akira Ioane and Blake Gibson have been among the outstanding performers this season, and together with an experienced captain and vice captain in Atu Moli and Jack Goodhue, we believe we have a balanced squad with experience across the park.
"We’ve selected on merit from outings at the recent Oceania Championship. With only 28 players in the squad, we expect everyone to be involved in this tournament and have a lot more playing time."
Flyhalf Otere Black, who has been starting for the Hurricanes in recent weeks, will be jetting his way to Italy tomorrow to join the team for this weekend’s game against Argentina.
The team has settled in at their Italian base outside of Parma and has already drawn big crowds to their training sessions.
"We’re based in a little village outside Parma and managed to grab the end of their annual Rugby Festival. They have given us a warm welcome, getting autographs and photos with our boys. We’ve had several hundred people watching at our trainings.
"It’s a perfect Italian summer, the weather is great and it’s been in the mid 20s.
"The boys have settled in well and are over their jet lag. We’ve had a decent hit out at training and are working on getting the team prepared for the kick-off against Scotland.
Robertson said Scotland would undoubtedly test them in their first outing of the tournament.
"Scotland have a tough forward pack and rely heavily on set piece. They also have some real talent in their backline.
"They’re a very willing team who are fiercely proud, so we need to ensure we nail our preparation for this match.
New Zealand Under-20s: 15 George Bridge, 14 Nathaniel Apa, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Tinoai Faiane, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Mitchell Hunt, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Blake Gibson, 7 Mitchell Karpik, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 James Blackwell, 4 Joshua Goodhue, 3 Atunaisa Moli (captain), 2 Liam Polwart, 1 Ricky Riccitelli.
Replacements: 16 Steven Misa, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Isileli Tu'uangafasi, 19 Geoffrey Cridge, 20 Henry Stowers, 21 Harrison Levien, 22 Luteru Laulala, 23 Sean Wainui.
Date: Tuesday, June 2
Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
Kick-off: 20:30 (18.30 GMT)
Referee: TBC
Assistant referees: TBC
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