Rugby: Young Chiefs match NZ Under-20s

Aidan Ross prepares to clean out a ruck on debut for NZ Under-20s against Chiefs Development XV at Blake Park. Photo / John Borren

The Chiefs Development XV finished their season with a 22-20 loss to the New Zealand Under-20s at Blake Park yesterday.

The New Zealand squad have been in camp at Mount Maunganui since Friday preparing for the 2015 World Rugby Under-20 Championship, beginning in Italy on June 2. Up front, the Chiefs pack led by Steamers lock Tim Bond did not shirk any of the physical confrontations. Former Tauranga Boys' College First XV captain Mungo Mason had a storming game at openside flanker, competing well with NZ Under-20s flanker Mitchell Karpik.

Former Rotorua Boys' High School First XV halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Auckland midfielder TJ Faiane and Blues flyer Tevita Li had standout games for the NZ Under-20s.

It was a proud day for the family of NZ Under-20s prop Aidan Ross.

The product of Tauranga Boys' and Te Puke Sports was understandably humbled to wear the black jersey for the first time.

"It feels pretty good and is just unreal. I came into it with my head spinning a bit, trying to remember 1000 lineout calls and game plans," Ross said.

"At times it stressed me out a bit but all I wanted to do was get through this game well, and now I can think of going to Italy.

"It was good to have mum and dad here for support."

There was plenty of motivation for the Chiefs players, with the Super Rugby squad decimated by injuries, plus a chance to show the New Zealand selectors they should be on the plane to Italy alongside Ross.

The most obvious example was Steamers first five Dan Hollinshead.

Hollinshead had benefited from playing in last year's ITM Cup and was assured in all facets of his game. His option taking in the frantic first half was impressive and he combined well with Steamers halfbacks Jono Kitto and Te Aihe Toma.

Chiefs player identification and development manager Dave Dillon said Hollinshead made a statement of intent.

"We had three or four players who missed out [NZ Under-20s] and I thought particularly Dan Hollinshead really stood up today," he said.

"So I am really pleased for him, particularly moving into the rep season as well."

Dillon will now focus on his new role with the Bay of Plenty Steamers coaching team.

"I played a lot of rugby here and have a really good relations with Clayton [McMillan] and Rodney [Gibbs].

"I am excited about working with them and Clayton has made some real positive changes to Bay of Plenty rugby already around high performance."

-Steamers and Chiefs forward Johan Bardoul ruptured the medial ligament in his right knee during the Chiefs' 34-20 victory over the Bulls on Friday night. He is expected to be out for eight weeks.