New Zealand U20 make seven changes to starting XV for Argentina

New Zealand U20 coach Kane Jury has made seven changes to the starting XV that beat Australia in round 1 of the Rugby Championship U20 as he turns the team’s attention to Argentina in round 2.

Gqeberha played host to wins for New Zealand and South Africa in the opening round of action, with the Kiwis claiming a 34-29 win over an Australian side let down by indiscipline that resulted in two yellow cards.

Los Pumitas, on the other hand, got their campaign off to a rocky start, trailing 36-0 halfway through the opening game against South Africa. A stoic second half saw the Argentinians get some points on the board before a final score of 48-21 was registered.

For round 2, New Zealand has made some changes while keeping the spine of the team intact. Josh Findlay and Jake Frost are the only tight forwards to retain their starting selections, with props Ethan Webber and Alex Hewitt coming in alongside Alex Arnold in the second row. In the loose trio, Finn McLeod has shifted from the blindside flank to No.8, and is joined by Logan Platt and Kobe Brownlee.

Charlie Sinton and Mika Muliaina have retained their places at halfback and first five-eighth, respectively, as has Haki Wiseman at inside centre and Cohen Norie at fullback. The backline changes see Oliver Guerin shift into the No.13 jersey from the wing, which will be occupied by Jay Reihana on one side and JD Van Der Westhuizen on the other.

New Zealand U20 team to play Argentina

1. Ethan Webber (Highlanders, Otago)
2. Josh Findlay (Crusaders, Canterbury)
3. Alex Hewitt (Hurricanes, Wellington)
4. Alex Arnold (Highlanders, Otago)
5. Jake Frost (Crusaders, Canterbury)
6. Logan Platt (Blues, Auckland)
7. Kobe Brownlee (Crusaders, Tasman)
8. Finn McLeod (Crusaders, Canterbury)
9. Charlie Sinton (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)
10. Mika Muliaina (Highlanders, Southland)
11. JD Van Der Westhuizen (Blues, North Harbour)
12. Haki Wiseman (Chiefs, Taranaki)
13. Oliver Guerin (Chiefs, Waikato)
14. Jay Reihana (Highlanders, Southland)
15. Cohen Norrie (Blues, Auckland)

Reserves

16. Luka Patumaka Makata (Blues, Auckland)
17. Charlie Wallis (Blues, Auckland)
18. Dane Johnston (Chiefs, Taranaki)
19. Johnny Falloon (Hurricanes, Wellington)
20. Micah Fale (Chiefs, Waikato)
21. Boston Krone (Blues, Auckland)
22. Angus Revell (Blues, Auckland)
23. Logan Williams (Crusaders, Canterbury)