Colts side prepare for title defence

The New Zealand Colts rugby side begin their under-21 World Championship title defence when they play Wales in Mendoza, Argentina tomorrow morning (NZ time).

Led by Southland prop Jamie MacKintosh, the Colts boast two players that could set the tournament alight.

New Zealand sevens captain and Waikato loose forward Liam Messam, and Hurricanes winger Hosea Gear were predictably named in the side today.

Both were part of last year's squad that won the title in Scotland.

Another colt set to star is International Rugby Board 2004 under-19 player of the year Jeremy Thrush who will be joined at lock by Toby Lynn.

New Zealand are in pool A with Argentina and Scotland, but teams do not play opponents from their own pool so New Zealand will face Canada and Australia in their other pool matches.

The Colts have traditionally been a stepping stone for higher international honours, and last year's crop were no exception with four players progressing to the All Blacks.

The game kicks off at 4am (NZ time).

* New Zealand Colts:

Richard Kahui, James Somerset, Aaron Bancroft, Daniel Waenga, Hosea Gear, William Ripia, Andrew Ellis, Peter Nixon, Mikaele Tuu'u, Liam Messam, Jeremy Thrush, Toby Lynn, Ben Franks, Marcel Cummings-Toone, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).

Reserves: Lance Po-Ching, Karl Haitana, Isaac Ross, Kieran Read, Taniela Moa, Steven Brett, Dwayne Sweeney.

- NZPA