Chiefs Rugby Club widely represented in NZ Under 20's Squad
The New Zealand Under 20 team will take to the field for the first time this year in Australia later this month. Today Coach Craig Philpott has named the squad to travel to the Oceania Rugby U20 Championship.
14 of the 29 players Philpott has selected are from within the Chiefs region. The squad will be charged with competing for the Oceania title that the New Zealand Under 20 team has won four years in a row.
The squad is;
Forwards:
Naitoa Ah Kuoi Wellington
Kaylum Boshier Taranaki
George Dyer Waikato
Samipeni Finau Waikato
Devan Flanders Hawke's Bay
Cullen Grace Canterbury
Kohan Herbert Bay of Plenty
Kianu Kereru Symes Hawke's Bay
Shilo Klein Canterbury
Jeriah Mua Bay of Plenty
Fletcher Newell Canterbury
Ollie Norris Waikato
Simon Parker Waikato
Taine Plumtree Wellington
Kaliopasi Uluilakepa Wellington
Tupou Vaa’i Taranaki
Tamaiti Williams Canterbury
Backs:
Fergus Burke Canterbury
Leroy Carter Bay of Plenty
Leicester Faingaanuku Tasman
Cole Forbes Bay of Plenty
Taufa Funaki Auckland
Sam Gilbert Canterbury
Lalomilo Lalomilo Bay of Plenty
Dallas McLeod Canterbury
Rivez Reihana Waikato
Etene Nanai Seturo Counties Manukau
Danny Toala Hawke's Bay
Quinn Tupaea Waikato
*One back to be added
Players not considered due to Super Rugby commitments: Caleb Clarke (Auckland/Blues), Billy Proctor (Wellington/Hurricanes)
Players not considered due to injury: Scott Gregory (Northland), Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty), Finlay Brewis (Canterbury), Jack Heighton (North Harbour), Callum Harkin (Wellington)
Philpott said on the back of a successful camp last month it was a hard task for the coaching group to whittle down the trial group to the 29 players selected.
"We always have such a huge pool of talent so it is never easy naming a squad. We are confident that we have selected a group of players that will gel in such a way that gives us the ability to play the style of rugby we are after."
With a handful of players returning from last year’s campaign and Mitre 10 Cup experience littered throughout the team, Philpott said the amount of experience within the group is an asset.
"It’s definitely a bonus when you have guys with World Championship experience because that’s five Test matches in 19 days, so they understand the importance of a professional approach to preparation and recovery. A number of players out of Mitre 10 Cup have played through a ‘storm week’ so they have some appreciation of that too."
Philpott said while the 30 players that head to Australia to defend the Oceania title will form the core of the World Championship squad, the door is not closed for those left behind.
"Last year was a perfect example. Injuries dictated that we called seven players into our squad. The message is clear to those players who have missed initial selection; that we need them to be ready when the call comes."
Also in contention for World Championships will be those players currently injured and those with Super Rugby duties. Philpott made special mention of the Gallagher Chiefs and Crusaders releasing Etene Nanai-Seturo and Leicester Faingaanuku respectively to be part of the Oceania campaign.
While the Oceania tournament is a key piece of preparation for the World Championships, Philpott said there is still a strong performance focus.
"We have a few goals, but first and foremost we want to perform well in the black jersey and win that tournament."
The New Zealand Under 20 squad will assemble in Auckland later this month before departing for Australia. They have matches against Fiji, Japan and Australia.
