Kane Jury makes seven changes as New Zealand U20 target perfect Pool B record against Italy

New Zealand U20 head coach Kane Jury has made seven changes to his starting lineup ahead of the Junior World Championship Pool B clash with Italy in Kutaisi, with Bay of Plenty halfback Charlie Sinton handed the captaincy.

The Kiwis sit top of Pool B with ten points from two games, ahead of Italy on seven points and a third side on six. A win would seal a perfect pool-stage record for Jury’s squad.

New Zealand opened the tournament with a 38-21 victory over Japan — a weather-affected contest in which several different players crossed the line. Their second match, against Scotland, was a tighter affair, though a fast start proved enough to hold off a Scottish comeback.

Among the personnel changes, Haki Wisemen has been replaced in the starting lineup by David Lewai. All Blacks Sevens player Bradley Tocker retains his place, but Men’s SVNS Rookie of the Year Kele Lasaqa will miss the Italy fixture. Jury has also named five new players on the extended bench: Xavier Leota, Boston Krone, James Moore, Lautasi Etuale and Finn McLeod are all included in the matchday 23.

Jury, who holds the role of New Zealand Rugby’s official Pathways head coach, acknowledged that the Scotland match exposed areas requiring improvement.

“Scotland challenged us physically and highlighted areas we need to keep improving as the tournament progresses,” Jury said. “We’ve made a few changes to the side to give players valuable game time while maintaining continuity in key areas. We’ve got confidence in the depth of this squad, and everyone has an important role to play. Italy will present a different challenge. We’ll need to be accurate, disciplined and deliver another consistent performance.”

Auckland NPC fullback Cohen Norrie, who was introduced for the Scotland game and scored tries in each half, is among those who could benefit from the squad’s growing depth as the competition enters its decisive stages.