New Zealand Under 20 team named for final game of pool play

The New Zealand team to take on Ireland at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship has been named. A win will guarantee progression through to the semi-final stage, as the team looks to beat their third-place finish in 2024.

Captain Manumaua Letiu returns to the starting line-up, joining the Auckland prop duo of Sika Pole and Robson Faleafā in the front row. Pole, hailing from the Manukau Rovers Rugby Football Club, has started every game New Zealand has played this year.

Also starting in every game this year is USA born, Australian raised lock Xavier Treacy. He will pair with Jayden Sa in the second row.

On the wing are two New Zealand Sevens players, Frank Vaenuku and Maloni Kunawave. Both players made their debut at the Perth SVNS in January of this year, becoming All Blacks Sevens # 319 and # 320 respectively.

New Zealand Under 20 team v Ireland:

1. Sika Pole
2. Manumaua Letiu (c)
3. Robson Faleafā
4. Xavier Treacy
5. Jayden Sa
6. Finn McLeod
7. Caleb Woodley
8. Mosese Bason (vc)
9. Dylan Pledger (vc)
10. Will Cole
11. Maloni Kunawave
12. Jack Wiseman
13. Cooper Roberts
14. Frank Vaenuku
15. Rico Simpson (vc)

16. Shaun Kempton
17. Israel Time
18. Dane Johnston
19. Aisake Vakasiuola
20. Micah Fale
21. Jai Tamati
22. James Cameron
23. Stan Solomon

New Zealand v Ireland
Thursday 10 July, 4:00am
Sky Sport