The New Zealand squad has been named for the World Rugby U20 Championship, and is headlined by a pair of All Blacks Sevens players.
New Zealand rallied from 19-0 behind and survived the dying stages with only 13 players in a herculean triumph. Winger Harlyn Saunoa scored a hat-trick, remarkably replaced at half-time by a first five-eighth, Rico Simpson.
New Zealand went through the tournament unbeaten, after drawing 29-29 with Australia in the opening game, smashing Argentina 75-21 and then just getting past the Junior Springboks on Monday morning NZT.
New Zealand and Australia have claimed big wins in round two of The Rugby Championship U20s in South Africa, leaving the trans-Tasman rivals as the only undefeated sides after their draw in round one.
Sid Harvey was the hero for Australia U20 on Thursday, with the winger nailing a conversion after the siren to secure a dramatic 29-all draw.
The All Blacks Sevens finish their season in Los Angeles this weekend at the World Championship event after a series of disappointing results that saw them finish seventh on the circuit.
Haig will be joined by Jarrad Hoeata, Craig Dunlea and current Canterbury Bunnings NPC assistant coach Alex Robertson.
Super Rugby pre-season on both sides of the Tasman was in full swing over the weekend with Australian and New Zealand teams playing a handful of derbies.
Pre season is all about gaining momentum ahead of the new season, trying new combinations and hopefully avoiding any major injuries.
Former Queensland Reds and Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor joins multiple All Blacks in the Crusaders’ side to take on the Blues.