New Zealand will field a side that is far from their No 1 combination as they seek to shake off the cobwebs in the Oceania Under 20 series opener tomorrow on the Gold Coast.
There is, however, plenty of talent and pedigree within the squad, which should win comfortably against an unknown quantity Fiji outfit, playing this event for the first time after two years of two standalone New Zealand-Australia clashes. The New Zealand Under 20 coaching staff will be seeking a win and a performance they can build on as they count down to the World Rugby Under 20 championship in Georgia in just under five weeks' time.
Head coach Craig Philpott says the team is bonding nicely.
"We've had some challenges coming over, with a couple of late changes and replacements, but the group is gelling really well and enjoying each other's company," he says, alluding to the fact that Wellington prop Alex Fidow was replaced due to injury by Auckland's Rob Cobb.
"The Oceania tournament provides the first taste of international test match rugby for several of the players, and offers a good step up for them. We've had All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster in camp with us for the last three days, which has inspired the team, and he offered plenty of good advice in training for the boys.
