New Zealand U20 make two key changes for Junior World Championship semi-final

New Zealand Rugby U20 head coach Kane Jury has made a couple of key changes to his side to take on France in the World Junior Rugby Championship semi-final in Tbilisi on Tuesday morning.

Jury’s side topped Pool B with three wins from three, as did France, after victories against Australia, Fiji, and Spain.

Southland NPC first-five Mika Muliaina returns to the run-on side after missing the last pool match against Italy, shifting Auckland playmaker Cohen Norrie to fullback.

New Zealand’s captain, Haki Wiseman, also makes his way back into the starting side, which moves David Lewai to the right wing in place of Logan Williams, who shifts to the bench.

Highlanders halfback Jackson Hughan is the selected reserve halfback replacement, and the starting tight-five remains the same as the Italy victory last week.

Jury said that they will not be taking France lightly, and will need to be better if they are to advance to the final.

“We’ve been pleased with the way the group has grown throughout the pool stages, but we know everything lifts another level in a semi-final,” Jury said.

“France are an outstanding side and have shown throughout the tournament why they’re one of the favourites. They’ll challenge us right across the park.

“We’ve built good momentum over the last three matches, but we’ll need to be accurate, disciplined and take our opportunities. The players are excited for the challenge and the chance to earn a place in the final.”

“New Zealand face France in the semi-final with kick-off at 2.00am NZT on Tuesday 14 July. The match will be broadcast live and exclusive on Sky,” the NZR release said.

New Zealand Under 20 side to play France:

1. Henry Stuart (Highlanders/Otago)
2. Josh Findlay (Crusaders/Canterbury)
3. Ethan Webber (Highlanders/Otago)
4. Max Fale (Crusaders/Canterbury)
5. Jake Frost (Crusaders/Canterbury)
6. Bradley Tocker (Chiefs/Taranaki)
7. Caleb Woodley (Blues/Auckland) – vice-captain
8. Patrick Mauga (Hurricanes/Hawke’s Bay)
9. Charlie Sinton (Chiefs/Bay of Plenty) – Captain
10. Mika Muliaina (Highlanders/Southland)
11. David Lewai (Chiefs/Waikato)
12. Haki Wiseman (Chiefs/Taranaki)
13. Siale Pahulu (Blues/Auckland)
14. Oliver Guerin (Chiefs/Waikato)
15. Cohen Norrie (Blues/Auckland)

Reserves

16. Xavier Leota (Blues/Auckland)
17. James Moore (Crusaders/Canterbury)
18. Dane Johnston (Chiefs/Taranaki)
19. Finn McLeod (Crusaders/Canterbury)
20. Micah Fale (Chiefs/Waikato)
21. Jackson Hughan (Highlanders/Southland)
22. Logan Williams (Crusaders/Canterbury)
23. Kobe Brownlee (Crusaders/Tasman)

Unavailable for selection: Johnny Falloon and Kele Lasaqa have returned to New Zealand due to injury.