NZ U21 captain wary of Irish passion

SYDNEY - New Zealand must not drop their standards against Ireland tonight or they risk losing momentum ahead of the Southern Hemisphere under-21 final, says captain Aaron Mauger.

New Zealand will advance to the final on Saturday, probably against Australia, unless they lose by 45 points to the Irish at the Sydney Showgrounds.

While this should be straightforward for the in-form New Zealanders, Mauger said it was important to maintain the form that enabled them to swamp the more highly-rated England 63-3 last weekend.

"It was a big confidence-booster for us and we want to keep our spirits high," Mauger said yesterday.

"But we've got a lot of respect for the Irish. We played them a couple of years ago at under-19 level over in Wales and they ran us pretty close [21-15]. We know how passionate they are. It will be a physical battle."

First five-eighths Mauger said he was revelling in the freedom given to him and his pacey backline by coaches Colin Cooper and Bruce Robertson.

Mauger had enjoyed linking up again with Otago second five-eighths Seilala Mapusua. The pair were an exciting mix of pace and power when New Zealand won last year.

Cooper has made three changes to the starting side who beat England.

North Harbour loosehead prop Tony Woodcock gets his first start of the tournament after recovering from injury, pushing Clarke Dermody to the bench.

Tane Tu'ipulotu comes in at second five-eighths ahead of Mapusua, who is resting with a minor leg injury, and Sam Tuitupou is on the right wing in place of Malili Muliaina.

New Zealand: Shannon Paku, Sam Tuitupou, Jason Shoemark, John Stewart, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Aaron Mauger, Riki Flutey, Stephen Bates, Richard McCaw, Bradley Mika, Daniel Quate, Warren Smith, Campbell Johnstone, Joe Ward, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Alisi Tupuailei, Cameron McIntyre, David Gibson, Sam Harding, Kristian Ormsby/Angus MacDonald, Clarke Dermody, Corey Flynn.

Kick-off: 9 pm (NZT).

- NZPA