One change has been made to the New Zealand under-19 rugby team to face South Africa in tomorrow morning's under-19 world championship final.
Canterbury midfielder Ryan Crotty will replace Waikato's Jackson Willison at second five-eighths but the team are otherwise unchanged from the semifinal against Wales this week.
New Zealand and South Africa last met in the under-19 final in 2005, with South Africa coming out on top.
New Zealand coach Kieran Crowley said he expected another tough contest against a big and physical team in Belfast, Northern Island.
He said: "In South Africa we face a team that has been one of our country's greatest rivals at all levels and that is true at under-19 level as well.
"We are certainly aware of the different challenges they pose.
"In terms of physical presence, they are the biggest team we will face in this competition."
The game is a pivotal one for the potential professional careers of the players and would be a test of their ability to cope with pressure.
Crowley said: "It is not every day that a player gets the chance to represent his country in the final of a world championship."
Tasman winger Kade Poki goes into the final as the leading try scorer with five tries, one ahead of Bay of Plenty flanker Luke Braid.
Wellington centre Robert Fruean and Hawkes Bay winger Zac Guildford have both scored three tries.
Meanwhile, North Harbour's Ken Pisi has been named as a reserve in the New Zealand team after an injury to Hawkes Bay fullback Israel Dagg.
- NZPA
