Plenty of Stars in New Zealand Under 20 World Championship Squad

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: May 12, 2015

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New Zealand have named a strong squad to travel to the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Italy, as reported by the New Zealand Herald. There is plenty of experience at both the provincial and Super Rugby levels in this year's group, far more than was evident in the disappointing 2014 campaign.

That said, there are a handful of top players returning from that 2014 team whose experience will be of huge value. Tevita Li, Anton Lienert-Brown and TJ Faiane were all key players for last year's team and look to be three of the brightest prospects in New Zealand rugby.

Had it not been for his outstanding Super Rugby form, Damian McKenzie would have joined them, adding another attacking threat from the back while also bringing creativity when wearing No. 10. He will remain with the Chiefs, however, acting as the replacement for injured fly-half Aaron Cruden.

Despite this there are still plenty of other players who have played at this same high level.

The Blues combination of Akira Ioane and Blake Gibson provide the loose forwards with two players with Super Rugby experience, Ioane a dynamic ball carrier and Gibson a physical hard-worker. 

The Hurricanes supply a pair of players, too, with impressive lock Geoff Cridge and talented fly-half Otere Black both being chosen. Black, in particular, impressed with Manawatu in last year's ITM Cup, showing a strong skill set and the ability to control a game. Many have marked him down a future All Black, and it is hard to disagree.

Beneath this top level, there are also a number of players with provincial experience, providing the team with depth in players who have played at a high level.

It is a strong team. The backs are lethal. Faiane, Nathaniel Apa and Jack Goodhue provide three dangerous midfield options, Li and Lienert-Brown are both devastating outside backs and in Black they have a fly-half to run the show.

The for...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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