New Zealand U20 recall pack that beat Australia for South Africa showdown

New Zealand U20 need a bonus point win against a powerful South Africa team in the final round of the U20 Rugby Championship, and have revealed the matchday squad tasked with getting the job done.

Nine changes have been made to the starting XV that suffered a maiden loss to Argentina last week, with head coach Kane Jury reverting to the forward pack that delivered a round 1 win over Australia.

That means Henry Stuart, Josh Findlay and Dane Johnston will run out as the starting front row, with Max Fale and Jake Frost in the second row and Finn McLeod, Caleb Woodley and Patrick Maugain the loose forwards.

The backline features some new combinations, but will be driven around the field by the pairing of Charlie Sinton at halfback and Mika Muliaina, who have started every game this tournament. Haki Wiseman is also in line for his third consecutive start, but will be joined by Siale Pahulu, who ran out on the left wing in the win over Australia. Logan Williams has earned himself a start on the left edge after two showings off the bench, and Oliver Guerin has shifted back to the right wing after a stint at centre last week. Finally, Cohen Norrie has retained his spot at fullback.

Jericho Wharehinga is set for his first minutes off the bench, with Ethan Webber returning to the pine alongside Alexander Hewitt after starting last week. Johnny Falloon and Micah Fale will provide impact off the bench for the third straight game. Jackson Hughan is back on the bench after missing the Argentina loss, and the same can be said for David Lewai. Kobe Brownlee is named in the No.23 jersey after starting at openside flanker against Argentina.

New Zealand U20 team to play South Africa U20

1.  Henry Stuart (Highlanders, Otago)
2.  Josh Findlay (Crusaders, Canterbury)
3.  Dane Johnston (Chiefs, Taranaki)
4.  Max Fale (Crusaders, Canterbury)
5.  Jake Frost (Crusaders, Canterbury)
6.  Finn McLeod (Crusaders, Canterbury)
7.  Caleb Woodley (Blues, Auckland)
8.  Patrick Mauga (Hurricanes, Hawke’s Bay)
9.  Charlie Sinton (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)
10. Mika Muliaina (Highlanders, Southland)
11. Logan Williams (Crusaders, Canterbury)
12. Haki Wiseman (Chiefs, Taranaki)
13. Siale Pahulu (Blues, Auckland)
14. Oliver Guerin (Chiefs, Waikato)
15. Cohen Norrie (Blues, Auckland)

Reserves

16. Jericho Wharehinga (Hurricanes, Hawke’s Bay)
17. Ethan Webber (Highlanders, Otago)
18. Alexander Hewitt (Hurricanes, Wellington)
19. Johnny Falloon (Hurricanes, Wellington)
20. Micah Fale (Chiefs, Waikato)
21. Jackson Hughan (Highlanders, Southland)
22. David Lewai (Chiefs, Waikato)
23. Kobe Brownlee (Crusaders, Tasman)