Savea takes Baby Blacks reins
Hurricanes loose forward Ardie Savea will captain the New Zealand Under-20 side in the Junior World Championship opener against Fiji on Wednesday.
Savea, brother of All Black wing Julian, has made a few appearences for the Hurricanes during their Super Rugby campaign this year as well as playing for the All Black Sevens side and impressing at senior level.
He is joined in the side by Highlanders back Jason Emery – who played in this tournament last year – was involved in the final that saw them lose out to the South Africa Under-20 side.
New Zealand launches their campaign for a fifth Championship title after last claiming the title in 2011.
Baby Blacks coach Chris Boyd said the team had settled well into their tournament base and were looking forward to getting the tournament under way.
"We know we have a relatively fresh team, but the boys are excited about getting out for their first hit-out of this tournament. Our team focus has been on getting the boys into a good training routine and ready to take on their first challenge against Fiji.
"We know that any time we play against our Pacific neighbours, they play with great passion and energy, so we need to be solid and clinical about following our own game plan," Boyd added.
New Zealand Under-20: 15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Leroy van Dam, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Micheal Collins, 11 Fa’asiu Fuatai, 10 Jade Te Rure, 9 Tayler Adams, 8 Adam Burn, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Jordan Manihera, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Scott Scarfton, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 Nick Grogan, 1 Alexander Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Kalafi Pongi, 17 Donald Brighouse, 18 Chris Vui, 19 Hadleigh May, 20 Sheridan Rangihuna, 21 Tei Walden, 22 Penikolo Latu, 23 Boyd Wiggins.
Date: Wednesday, 5 June
Venue: Stade de la Rabine, Vannes
Kick-off: 20.45 (18.45 GMT)
Referee: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Ian Davies (Wales), Mathieu Noirot (France).
