Wings Sean Maitland and Kade Poki, and No.8 Nasi Manu were all part of the 65-10 second-round Pool A win over Ireland this week.
Poki took the man of the match award against the Irish after grabbing a brace of tries as the three rising stars of New Zealand’s professional game made it clear they will provide a massive boost to a squad already brimful of talent.
Poki’s electric pace yielded two well-finished tries, while Maitland also got on the scoresheet and was involved in the build-up to other tries, including a perfect kick through for scrum half Grayson Hart to touch down in the second half. Manu was also impressive, making some storming runs.
Poki said they were all delighted to be in Wales playing for the national U20 side: “It was awesome playing out there against Ireland and it’s good to play with the boys again. I played with some of them last year and it’s just good to be here back with my own mates and people my own age.
“It’s always pleasing to get a few tries in the first game, so I’m happy with that and how we played overall.”
If New Zealand go on to lift the title, it would signal a superb end to the season for Poki, who has even been touted as an outside chance to make Graham Henry’s All Blacks side after an impressive maiden Super 14 season.
“Winning this competition would really top things off for me but we can’t think ahead and we’ve just got to take it game by game. It would make my year complete actually if we could go and do it.”
His recent experience in the higher echelons of New Zealand rugby means his teammates at this competition look to him for advice as they prepare to take on the best in the world at age-grade level.
“I suppose they do look to me in ways but I still look to some of the guys for certain tips in certain areas. Most of the guys here have the same ability as a lot of the Super 14 guys but they just haven’t had the opportunities yet, but I’m sure they’ll be there in the near future.”
New Zealand face Argentina tomorrow (Saturday) in their final Pool A match, the winners guaranteed a place in the top four. Argentina, like New Zealand, have beaten Ireland and Tonga, and promise to offer a sterner test than the tournament favourites have had to date.
“Argentina will be a tough game because they play with a lot of heart and they never give up so it’s going to be a big one,” Poki added.
New Zealand Coach Dave Rennie agreed the South Americans would provide a stiff test.
“We’ve seen them play and we reckon we know how they will play against us. They will try and keep it pretty tight and we’ll need to defend really well and we have to be ready for that.”
Rennie said the addition of the Super 14 players had made a difference against Ireland: “They are a little more seasoned that the rest of them. They are highly respected among the boys and they are all good mates.”
Tickets for Junior World Championship matchdays are £2 for children and £8 for adults and can be purchased on the gate of all venues.
Pool A, Cardiff Arms Park
3pm: Ireland v Tonga
5pm: New Zealand v Argentina
