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New Zealand U20 make seven changes ahead of decisive Australia U20 clash
By Finn Morton
Head coach Jono Gibbes has made seven changes to the New Zealand U20 squad that defeated Argentina on Tuesday, with the Baby Blacks turning their focus to a decisive clash this weekend.
New Zealand will win the inaugural Rugby Championship U20 if they beat traditional rivals Australia on Sunday. It’s the last match of the tournament on the Sunshine Coast in Australia.
While the Junior Wallabies have made some headline-grabbing moves of their own, including the selection of Harry McLaughlin-Phillips at NO 10, the Kiwis have done the very same.
Following their 13-all draw with South Africa in the tournament opener, and the statement 43-20 win over Argentina, the coaching staff have made a handful of changes to the starting side.
Blues U20 captain Tristyn Cook and Jeremiah Avei-Collins have been named to make their tournament debuts. Cook starts at blindside flanker while Avei-Collins will provide impact off the pine.
Hurricanes and Hawke’s Bay lock Tom Allen comes into the run-on side, with flanker Johnny Lee also earning a promotion as the third and final change to New Zealand’s forward pack.
Wing Stanely Solomona and fullback Isaac Hutchinson, who both impressed in the draw with the Junior Springboks, also returning to the First XV in their usual positions.
Captain Vernon Bason will captain the side once again when they take on a “pretty sharp” Junior Wallabies outfit.
“I know they’re pretty disappointed with their result against Argentina in the first game but if you look a little bit deeper into their game they’re a sharp outfit,” assistant coach Jarrad Hohepa told RugbyPass earlier this week.
“They’re really well organised, got some good attacking strikes out wide as well. We’re expecting a pretty big battle.
“I think if they win they can take out the title as well so it’s all to play for.”
New Zealand U20 to take on Australia U20
1. Will Martin
2. Vernon Bason (c)
3. Joshua Smith
4. Tom Allen
5. Liam Jack
6. Tristyn Cook
7. Johnny Lee
8. Malachi Wrampling
9. Dylan Pledger
10. Rico Simpson
11. Stanley Solomon
12. Tofuka Paongo
13. Xavi Taele
14. King Maxwell
15. Isaac Hutchinson
Replacements:
16. Manumaua Letiu
17. Sika Pole
18. Kurene Luamanuvae
19. Andrew Smith
20. Jeremiah Avei-Collins
21. Ben O'Donovan
22. Sam Coles
23. Aki Tuivailala
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