NZ U20's make one change for final showdown against Junior Springboks

The New Zealand U20’s have named their 23-man squad to take on the Junior Springboks in the final of the World U20 Championship on Sunday morning NZT at Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo.

New Zealand have won all of their games at the tournament, beating the host nation Italy, Georgia, Ireland and then France in the semi final.

The Kiwis have already improved on last year’s third place finish in the World Championship U20, but will be looking to win the competition for the first time since 2017.

The New Zealand coaches have named a strong side for the final, featuring a return for standout playmaker Will Cole, who missed the semi-final against France.

Crusaders hooker Manumaua Letiu will captain the side once again, with Mosese Bason and Dylan Pledger named as vice captains for the final.

Up front it’s a formidable combination of two Blues props, Sika Pole and Robson Faleafa with Letiu at hooker.

Xavier Treacy continues his streak of playing every game for New Zealand U20 in 2025, named alongside Jayden Sa at lock.

Crusaders blindside flanker Finn McLeod is trusted at No.6, with Caleb Woodley and Bason in the back row.

Pledger and experienced first-five Rico Simpson are named to get the team around the park, two players who were apart of last year’s squad that placed third.

A familiar combination is named in the midfield, with Cooper Roberts and Jack Wisemen set to play their fourth game together in this tournament in Italy.

There’s no change in the back three from the semi-final, with Maloni Kunawave and Frank Vaenuku taking up the two wing spots, and Stanley Solomon at fullback.

DJ Graham Medal winner Eli Oudenryn will bring impact off the bench with Israel Time and Dane Johnston.

The powerful duo of Aisake Vakasiuola and Micah Fale will look to provide power and punch off the bench in the second half, having filled the same impact role in the semi-final victory over France.

Jai Tamati, who’s in the No.21 jersey for the final, will be hoping for a better ending to the match than the one he had last time out against the Junior Springboks, after his clearing kick at the full time hooter nearly gifted the South African’s a try.

Tayne Harvey and Cole make up the last two bench spots for the Kiwis.

Team List:

1. Sika Pole

2. Manumaua Letiu (c)

3. Robson Faleafa

4. Xavier Treacy

5. Jayden Sa

6. Finn McLeod

7. Caleb Woodley

8. Mosese Bason (vc)

9. Dylan Pledger (vc)

10. Rico Simpson

11. Maloni Kunawave

12. Jack Wiseman

13. Cooper Roberts

14. Frank Vaenuku

15. Stanley Solomon

Bench:

16. Eli Oudenryn

17. Israel Time

18. Dane Johnston

19. Aisake Vakasiuola

20. Micah Fale

21. Jai Tamati

22. Will Cole

23. Tayne Harvey

New Zealand v South Africa
Sunday 20 July, 6:30am NZT
Sky Sport 1