Rugby: Under-20s hoping Black survives 'Canes clash unscatched

Otere Black. Photo / Getty

The New Zealand Under 20s rugby side are sweating on Otere Black emerging unscathed from tomorrow night's Hurricanes-Crusaders clash in Nelson.

The Under 20s squad flew out for Italy last night desperate to reclaim the World Rugby Under 20 Championship crown, which they have not won since 2011.

They already knew they would be without the talismanic Damian McKenzie, who was not released by the Chiefs after Aaron Cruden's injury. On Tuesday, midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, who has skippered the side in 2014 and during the recent Oceania Junior Championship, was not released either by the Chiefs as they deal with a growing injury crisis.

Taranaki threequarter Sean Wainui, who played in the Oceanias, has been called up as a replacement.

"It is what it is and you can't do anything about it," said assistant coach Leon MacDonald.
The coaches would love to have access to all the top Under 20s talent in the country, but Super Rugby franchises can pull rank if they need to. In 2012, TJ Perenara was not released by the Hurricanes, but then busted his leg in a 'friendly' against the Reds in the June window.

The plan with Black is that he will start for the Hurricanes, and then fly to Italy to join the team on Saturday, though Auckland's Mitch Hunt will likely suit up at first five in New Zealand's opener against Scotland in Parma on Wednesday morning.

MacDonald was impressed with Black's mature display against the Blues last weekend and has no qualms about the Manawatu Turbo's ability to direct this talented Under 20s outfit around the park.

"I think if he gets on the plane safely, then the whole coaching group will breathe a sigh of relief," said MacDonald.

The Under 20s won their last hit-out, narrowly, by two points, against the Chiefs Development XV, on Monday in Mt Maunganui. They were put under pressure and emerged with no bad injuries and with a better understanding of the intensity required.

"We didn't play as well as we had hoped, but the Chiefs were very spirited and got stuck into us. It was perfect preparation for the World Cup. They came at us hard at the breakdown and with heaps of line speed, and some guys hadn't experienced that before," said MacDonald.

"We were probably a bit guilty of having one foot on the plane, so we didn't bring the intensity."

But in general the preparation has been much better than in previous years, when the side has often travelled to the tournament with only one or two matches under their belt. This time they have had four, including three matches on the Gold Coast a few weeks ago, where they defeated Japan, Samoa and Australia to win the inaugural title.

"We've brought new players in and we feel like we're more battle-hardened. I thought we played really well against Australia and scored some good tries. Our set-piece was strong."

Auckland's Vince Aso is nursing a shoulder problem, but there is a heap of versatility in the backline to cover for any niggles.

Kickoff against Scotland is at 6.30am NZT next Wednesday.