Rugby: Juniors' Black brings dependable boot

Otere Black of the Hurricanes lines up a kick. Photo / Getty Images

If tomorrow morning's World Rugby Under-20 Championship final comes down to goalkicking, New Zealand should be well equipped against England. First-five Otere Black has slotted 13 from 14, striking the ball nicely, while Mitch Hunt, who should be named at fullback, has 10 from 13.

Black also kicked seven from nine for the Hurricanes, so he appears to be in prime form.

"It's going all right. I work at it pretty hard and it's part of my role," Black said.

In the back of his mind, he knows that next week he will be in the thick of preparation for a home Super Rugby semifinal, but for now there is some global silverware to strike for, a trophy New Zealand have not won since 2011.

"I've got another job to do after this. It would be pretty cool to have a win here and then come away with a Super Rugby title. But for now I am solely focused on this game."

New Zealand have built nicely through the tournament, giving their best display in the 45-7 semifinal win over France.

"The camp was pretty happy after that semi. We knew we were building into something after the (25-3) Ireland game after that hiccup against Argentina. I think we're peaking at the right time," said Black.

New Zealand won't have to tweak too much for England.

They know England will present a solid set-piece and a slightly bigger pack, but a repeat of the effort against France is called for.

"They are a really physical pack and bullied those South Africans. But our forwards have worked hard and should be able to match that," said Black.

Assistant coach Leon MacDonald was "rapt" with the semifinal victory, but knows more will be needed to subdue England.

"They were a very good side and we nullified their strengths and didn't let them play their game. We wore them down. A lot of our tries were off the back of very tight defence. We turned them over and took a lot of satisfaction at getting dominance in some areas over these bigger packs," said MacDonald.

Most of the analysis of England has come from their 28-20 semifinal win over South Africa, a scoreline flattering to the Baby Boks, rather than the 30-18 pool play loss to France.

"They fell asleep against France, because they were impressive in their other pool games. They didn't fire at all, but that was the wake-up call they needed because they were very good in the semi.

"Their pack is big and powerful and they have a backline which they are prepared to use. They play a bit more rugby than some of the other teams," MacDonald said.

Not to mention the fact that several ply their trade in the Aviva Premiership and a handful are back to defend their title.

Blindside flanker James Blackwell was concussed against France and will sit the final out, putting further heat on the depleted loose forward stocks. Mitch Dunshea should slot into the No6 jersey, with Henry Stowers as bench back-up.

NZ v England final

• Cremona, Italy, 6.30am tomorrow.

New Zealand v England at JWC
• 2008 (final): NZ won 38-3.
• 2009 (final): NZ won 44-28.
• 2011 (final): NZ won 33-22.
• 2013 (semifinal): England won 33-21.