The selection of two New Zealand Under 20s squad members is the major feature of the Junior Counties Cavaliers who will face the Fiji Under 20s on Tuesday night in Pukekohe.
The Fijians are in New Zealand preparing for the Junior World Rugby Trophy tournament, which will be in Zimbabwefrom April 19 to May 1. This will be Fiji's last hit-out before departing on Thursday. They are coming off a 25-8 defeat to the Waikato Under 21s on Wednesday.
Karaka first five Orbyn Leger, son of former Ikale Tahi international and current Sacred Heart First XV coach Gus Leger, is named, alongside Ardmore-Marist's goalkicking halfback Jonathan Taumateine. The duo will play against Australia in next month's Oceania Cup on the Gold Coast.
The Junior Cavaliers selection is made up of Under 19 players from various Counties Manukau clubs. Many will be keen to make an early impression to push for a place to represent the Counties Manukau Under 19s at the Jock Hobbs Memorial national tournament in Taupo later in the year. Of note is No 8 Viliami Taulani, of the Patumahoe club, who was a kingpin for Manurewa High School's champion First XV in 2015.
Counties Manukau have six academy players who will be attending the tournament in Zimbabwe, all representing the Samoa Under 20s. Pukekohe's Jarred Adams will captain the Samoans.
The squad to face Fiji U20s is: Daniel Perez (Bombay), Patrick Tulafasa, Christian Lauva (Karaka), Brockson Brown (Papakura), Rhys Ashby (Waiuku), Darryl Hemopo (Papakura), Harry Hardie (Waiuku), Petelo Ikenasio (Ardmore Marist), Mikaera Smylie (Papakura), Theo Solipo (Patumahoe), Soakimi Havili (Karaka), Hunter Jack (Ardmore Marist), Antonio Kata (Karaka), Viliami Taulani (Patumahoe), David O'Connell (Bombay), Jethro Tusa (Ardmore Marist), Zack Harris (Pukekohe), Christian Alvarez (Papakura), Kalem Figota, George Edwards (Ardmore Marist), Orbyn Leger (Karaka), Joshua Baverstock (Pukekohe), Gene Te Amo (Manurewa), Reno Su'a (Pukekohe), Walter Fifita (Karaka), Malakai Tohi (Patumahoe), Sam Hafoka (Ardmore Marist)
Tuesday April 12, 7pm Colin Lawrie Fields, Pukekohe
