Rugby: Under-20s ready as Australia seek revenge

Francis Saili in action against Argentina. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand will be defending a proud junior world rugby championship record in tomorrow morning's semifinal in Italy against an Australian side keen to avenge a 62-17 whipping in last year's final.

New Zealand, under coach Dave Rennie, have triumphed in the opening three editions of the junior world championship in Wales (2008), Japan (2009) and Argentina.

They start the semifinal at Treviso's Stadio Comunale with a tournament record of 18 victories from 18 matches (923 points and 129 tries while conceding only 156 points and 15 tries) behind them.

Following a 48-15 defeat of Argentina in their final pool A match, the Baby Blacks marched into the semifinals as the leading point and try scorers in this year's competition having also beaten Italy 64-7 and demolished Wales 92-0.

Their 30 tries so far this year are the most by any team in the pool stages of any tournament.

However, new coach Mark Anscombe is taking nothing for granted.

"We have really been trying to develop this team and get through pool play and we have done that with not too many injuries," Anscombe told the IRB website today.

"But now . . . we can't look any further than Australia.

"The challenge in New Zealand is, having had three teams win it, no-one wants to be in the team that doesn't win it, so they are quite a competitive group."

Last year's result will have no bearing on the encounter in Treviso, he said.

"It's a different challenge and a different team and clashes between New Zealand and Australia are always tough games -- we know we are in for a battle.

"I am sure they will be looking to avenge that loss (in Argentina). They have got six or seven players and coaching staff back from last year and you never like getting beaten like that.

"We have only got two guys back and only one guy who played in that game so it is a totally different team and I think both teams have different strengths and weaknesses so last year's result means nothing."

New Zealand will be looking to get their approach right after a patchy performance against Argentina which Anscombe attributed to a bit of complacency.

"There is a lot of talent as we know but that isn't always enough and it is about the right attitude, preparation and looking after yourself and getting up for the game."

Having rested a number of players against Argentina, Anscombe has returned son Gareth (No 10), captain Luke Whitelock (No 8), Charles Piutau (left wing) and Lima Sopoaga (centre) to his starting lineup for the semifinal.

Gareth Anscombe, the leading point scorer in this tournament with 46 points so far, said last year's result had been consigned to history.

"This side has its own challenges, we are not looking at previous sides and want to be a better team ourselves . . .

"They might be hungry for revenge, but we are hungry too.

"It is never an easy challenge against them, but this is a semi final and there is no second chance so we are hoping we can make the final."

England and France play tomorrow's other semifinal at the same venue.

Teams

New Zealand: Beauden Barrett, Francis Saili, Glen Robertson, Lima Sopoaga, Charles Piutau, Gareth Anscombe, TJ Perenara, Luke Whitelock (captain), Sam Cane, Brad Shields, Brodie Retallick, Steven Luatua, Ben Tameifuna, Codie Taylor, Solomona Sakalia

Reserves: Sefo Setefano, Michael Kainga, Dominic Bird, Carl Axtens, Brad Weber, Mitchell Scott, Waisake Naholo.

Australia: Simon Morahan, Chris Nasiganiyavi, Tom Kingston, Bill Meakes, Kimami Sitauti, Ben Volavola, Eddie Bredenhann, Ed Quirk, Michael Hooper, Colby Faingaa (captain), Luke Jones, Blake Enever, Paul Alo-Emile, Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio.

Reserves: Hugh Roach, Tim Metcher, Ted Postal, Jarrad Butler, Matt Lucas, Rohan Saifoloi, Jacob Woodhouse.

- NZPA