Junior ABs get chance to shine against Queensland

It's a match in which one or two players have a point to prove to the national selectors.

Junior All Blacks coaches Colin Cooper and Ian Foster today named the side for tomorrow night's opening tour game against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. For All Black castoffs such as Joe Rokocoko and Caleb Ralph, it's a chance to catch Graham Henry's eye.

Co-coach Cooper said the team had a good mix of those with Test experience and talented young players.

"It is the first time in 21 years that this side will play an international match so we are entering an exciting time in New Zealand rugby," said Cooper, who played for the New Zealand Juniors side in 1982.

"This team is the second national side behind the All Blacks and offers players the opportunity to push for higher honours," he added.

Cooper said it was important that the Junior All Blacks get the three-match tour off to a good start. The tour concludes with two internationals against Australia A – in Canberra on 26 June and in Sydney on 1 July.

The team will be captained by Waikato No 8 Steven Bates.

"He has a huge work ethic and the players have a lot of respect for him," Cooper said.

* Wednesday's match kicks off at 7.30pm (Brisbane time).

Junior All Blacks team to face Queensland Reds:

Scott Hamilton (Canterbury), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Ben Atiga (Auckland), David Hill (Waikato), Caleb Ralph (Canterbury), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Steve Devine (Auckland), Steven Bates (Waikato, captain), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Chris Masoe (Taranaki), Kevin O'Neill (Canterbury), Bernie Upton (Bay of Plenty), John Afoa (Auckland), Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Saimone Taumoepeau (Auckland).

Reserves: Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Ben Castle (Bay of Plenty), Ross Kennedy (Wellington), Marty Holah (Waikato), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Luke McAlister (North Harbour) and Casey Laulala (Canterbury).