NZ U20s well prepared for World Cup final

First five Otere Black. Photo / Getty Images.

If Sunday morning's World Rugby Under 20 Championship final comes down to goalkicking, New Zealand should be well equipped against England.

First five Otere Black has slotted 13 from 14, striking the ball nicely, while Mitch Hunt, who should be named at fullback, has 10 from 13. Black also kicked seven from nine for the Hurricanes, so is in prime form.

"It's going alright. I work at it pretty hard and it's part of my role," Black said. In the back of his mind, he knows that next week he will be in the thick of preparation for a home Super Rugby semifinal, but for now there is some global silverware to strike for, a trophy New Zealand has not won since 2011.

"I've got another job to do after this. It would be pretty cool to have a win here and then come away with a Super Rugby title. But for now I am solely focused on this game."

New Zealand have built nicely through the tournament, giving their best display in the 45-7 semifinal win over France.

"The camp was pretty happy after that semi. We knew we were building into something after the (25-3) Ireland game after that hiccup against Argentina. I think we're peaking at the tight time. We're looking forward to the final. We'll prepare well and it'll be all go for Saturday night," said Black.

New Zealand won't have to tweak too much for England. They know England will present a solid set-piece and a slightly bigger pack, but a repeat of the effort against France is called for.

"They are a really physical pack and bullied those South Africans. But our forwards have worked hard and should be able to match that," said Black.

Assistant coach Leon MacDonald was "rapt" with the semifinal victory, but knows more will be needed to subdue England.

"They were a very good side and we nullified their strengths and didn't let them play their game. We wore them down. A lot of our tries were off the back of very defence. We turned them over and took a lot of satisfaction at getting dominance in some areas over these bigger packs," said MacDonald.

Most of the analysis of England has come from their 28-20 semifinal win over South Africa, a scoreline flattering to the Baby Boks, rather than the 30-18 pool play loss to France.

"They fell asleep against France, because they were impressive in their other pool games. They didn't fire at all, but that was the wake-up call they needed because they were very good in the semi. Their pack is big and powerful and they have a backline which they are prepared to use. They play a bit more rugby than some of the other teams."

Not to mention the fact that several ply their trade in the Aviva Premiership and a handful are back to defend their title.

In New Zealand team news, blindside flanker James Blackwell was concussed against France and will sit the final out, putting further heat on the depleted loose forward stocks. Mitch Dunshea should slot into the No 6 jersey, with Henry Stowers as bench back-up.

Assistant coach Tana Umaga, the subject of speculation surrounding the Blues, who had returned to New Zealand with Jerry Collins' body, will not return to Italy.

Kickoff is at 6.30am on Sunday from Cremona.

New Zealand v England at JWC
2008 (final): NZ won 38-3
2009 (final): NZ won 44-28
2011 (final): NZ won 33-22
2013 (semifinal): England won 33-21