New Zealand U20 team named to play South Africa U20

Hurricanes and Manawatū hooker Vernon Bason will captain the New Zealand Under 20 team against South Africa in the opening match of the inaugural Rugby Championship Under 20 Tournament at Sunshine Coast Stadium in Australia.

New Zealand Under 20 Head Coach Jono Gibbes has named a powerful 23-man squad for the tournament opener including representation from all five of New Zealand’s Super Rugby clubs and 10 different provinces.

Bason, who will lead a squad including his brother Mosese in the reserves, had the honour of joining the captains of Argentina, Australia and South Africa for a photo opportunity at Point Arkwright Lookout in Coolum ahead of the opening round of matches.

Auckland midfielder Xavi Taele has been named Bason’s vice-captain for the match.

The New Zealand Under 20 squad to play South Africa Under 20 is:

1 Will Martin (Chiefs, Waikato)
2 Vernon Bason (Hurricanes, Manawatū) (c)
3 Joshua Smith (Hurricanes, Hawke’s Bay)
4 Tom Allen (Hurricanes, Hawke’s Bay)
5 Liam Jack (Crusaders, Canterbury)
6, Andrew Smith (Chiefs, Waikato)
7 Johnny Lee (Crusaders, Canterbury)
8 Malachi Wrampling (Chiefs, Waikato)
9 Ben O’Donovan (Crusaders, Canterbury)
10 Cooper Grant (Crusaders, Tasman)
11 Stanley Solomon (Hurricanes, Wellington)
12 Xavi Taele (Blues, Auckland) (vc)
13 Aki Tuivailala (Chiefs, Waikato)
14 Frank Vaenuku (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)
15 Isaac Hutchinson (Crusaders, Canterbury)


Reserves:

16 A-One Lolofie (Highlanders, Otago)
17 Senio Sanele (Hurricanes, Wellington)
18 Kurene Luamanuvae (Blues, Auckland)
19 Cam Christie (Blues, North Harbour)
20 Mosese Bason (Hurricanes, Manawatū)
21 Dylan Pledger (Highlanders, Otago)
22 Rico Simpson (Blues, Auckland)
23 Josh Whaanga (Highlanders, Otago)