As the New Zealand Under-20 side prepares to defend a title it has completely dominated in recent years, all eyes will be on a squad which traditionally yields numerous future All Blacks. This year’s first All Black training squad alone features a number of players from recent Under-20 teams, including Beauden Barret, Brooke Retallick and Sam Cane, who while eligible for selection again this year was required for duty in the Chiefs Super XV side.
While Rob Penney’s squad is one of the most inexperienced to leave New Zealand shores it will be a team which mirrors much of what his Canterbury sides have done in recent years, with a robust yet skillful forward pack and backs with flair and x-factor.
Colossal prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi is the embodiment of the kind of front-rower Steve Hansen is looking for in his All Black pack. Described by coaches as a ‘beast’, the young Aucklander will ensure a solid platform for the kiwi side.
Fellow Auckland-based player Jake Heenan is another to watch. The young flanker has boundless energy and a great work ethic, and could be just in time to snare an All Blacks jersey in the future, with several key players nearing the twilight of their careers.
Halfback Bryn Hall, in the mold of Hurricanes’ TJ Peranara is one of the stand-outs of the team. A natural leader he has an inherent ability to control a match, coupled with superb passing skills and a great running game.
For those fond of a flutter you could do worse than to put your money on Wellington’s Matt Proctor as a possible leading try-scorer. The versatile back, who is equally at home at fullback, center or on the wing is lightning quick and has great instincts.
Two Canterbury loose-forwards epitomize the type of game Penney’s chargers will employ. Both Taniela Manu and Jordan Taufua are phenomenally strong athletes given their tender age, yet their understanding of the game, and their exceptional ball skills means they are certainly not one-dimensional.
Penney’s squad is one which is in fitting with its predecessors – a big, physical tight-five, mobile loosies who are bruising both on attack and defence, and a backline which exudes talent and flair. Yet again they will start as favorites, and will be inevitably tough to beat.