'Canes hooker to lead NZ U20s at Oceania tournament

New Zealand face Australia at Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia on Tuesday, with their second match scheduled for Saturday, May 6 at Bond University.

New Zealand Under-20 head coach Scott Robertson believes the Oceania tournament is an invaluable opportunity for players to make a final push for the World Championship squad.

“The players are pretty excited and so are we," said Robertson. 

"This is a hugely important part of preparing our side for the World Championship.  

"We’ve had a good preparation on and off the field, and it was good to be able to focus on getting our processes right, and getting the boys tight.”

Robertson also confirmed late injury replacements to the squad in Australia.  

Canterbury's Josh McKay has been called in as injury cover for fellow Cantabrian Caleb Makene, and Taranaki’s Finn Hoeata was ruled out with a knee injury meaning a late travel call up for replacement Caleb Aperahama of Canterbury.

New Zealand: 15 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 14 Jonah Lowe, 13 Patelesio Tomkinson, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mason Emerson, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Mitch Jacobson, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Sam Caird, 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2 Leni Apisai (captain), 1 Ayden Johnstone.

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Shaun Stodart, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Lui Luamanu, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Orbyn Leger, 23 Josh Mckay.

Full New Zealand squad for the Oceania Championship:

Forwards: 

Ayden Johnstone             

Mason Kean                

Shaun Stodart                

Sean Paranihi                      

Alex Fidow                 

Pouri Rakete-Stones            

Leni Apisai (captain)            

Asafo Aumua                

Quinten Strange             

Sam Caird                 

Caleb Aperahama            

Mitchell Jacobson            

Luke Jacobson             

Dalton Papali’i            

Marino Mikaele Tu'u           

Backs:

Jonathan Taumateine          

Sam Nock                

Stephen Perofeta            

Jordie Barrett                

Patelesio Tomkinson            

Orbyn Leger                  

Jonah Lowe                      

Malo Tuitama                

Peter Umaga-Jensen             

Ereatara Enari                

Mason Emerson            

Caleb Makene                

Josh McKay                

Matthew Lansdown