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Kane Jury rings the changes for New Zealand U20 showdown with Italy
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New Zealand U20 head coach Kane Jury has made seven changes ahead of their Junior World Championship clash with Italy in Kutaisi.
The New Zealand side currently sits top of Pool B on ten points from their two games, ahead of Italy on seven points and Italy on six.
Jury’s Kiwis began the competition with a 16-point, weather-affected victory over Japan, 38-21, with a number of different jerseys crossing the chalk.
Auckland NPC fullback Cohen Norrie made his way into the lineup for their second contest against Scotland, rewarding the faith from his coaches with a try in each half.
The Scotland clash was much tighter, with their fast start proving enough after a valiant comeback from the Scottish outfit.
Jury, who was named New Zealand Rugby’s official Pathways head coach, explained that the squad have addressed the areas to improve on.
“Scotland challenged us physically and highlighted areas we need to keep improving as the tournament progresses,” Jury said.
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“We’ve made a few changes to the side to give players valuable game time while maintaining continuity in key areas.
“We’ve got confidence in the depth of this squad, and everyone has an important role to play. Italy will present a different challenge. We’ll need to be accurate, disciplined and deliver another consistent performance.”
While one All Blacks Sevens player, Bradley Tocker, remains in the starting lineup, the second, Men’s SVNS Rookie of the Year Kele Lasaqa, will miss the last Pool B contest.
Bay of Plenty halfback Charlie Sinton will captain New Zealand, as Haki Wisemen is replaced by David Lewai in the starting lineup.
Jury has brought five new players onto the extended bench, naming Xavier Leota, Boston Krone, James Moore, Lautasi Etuale and Finn McLeod in the matchday 23.
The New Zealand Under 20s v Italy:
- Henry Stuart (Highlanders/Otago)
- Josh Findlay (Crusaders/Canterbury)
- Ethan Webber (Highlanders/Otago)
- Max Fale (Crusaders/Canterbury)
- Jake Frost (Crusaders/Canterbury)
- Bradley Tocker (Chiefs/Taranaki)
- Caleb Woodley (vc) (Blues/Auckland)
- Patrick Mauga (Hurricanes/Hawke’s Bay)
- Charlie Sinton (c) (Chiefs/Bay of Plenty)
- Mika Muliaina (Highlanders/Southland)
- Logan Williams (Crusaders/Canterbury)
- Siale Pahulu (Blues/Auckland)
- David Lewai (Chiefs/Waikato)
- Oliver Guerin (Chiefs/Waikato)
- Cohen Norrie (Blues/Auckland)
Reserves
- Xavier Leota (Blues/Auckland)
- James Moore (Crusaders/Canterbury)
- Dane Johnston (Chiefs/Taranaki)
- Finn McLeod (Crusaders/Canterbury)
- Micah Fale (Chiefs/Waikato)
- Boston Krone (Blues/Auckland)
- Lautasi Etuale (Crusaders/Canterbury)
- Kobe Brownlee (Crusaders/Tasman)
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