Plenty of Stars in New Zealand Under 20 World Championship Squad

New Zealand have named a strong squad to travel to the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Italy, as reported by the New Zealand Herald. There is plenty of experience at both the provincial and Super Rugby levels in this year's group, far more than was evident in the disappointing 2014 campaign.

That said, there are a handful of top players returning from that 2014 team whose experience will be of huge value. Tevita Li, Anton Lienert-Brown and TJ Faiane were all key players for last year's team and look to be three of the brightest prospects in New Zealand rugby.

Had it not been for his outstanding Super Rugby form, Damian McKenzie would have joined them, adding another attacking threat from the back while also bringing creativity when wearing No. 10. He will remain with the Chiefs, however, acting as the replacement for injured fly-half Aaron Cruden.

Despite this there are still plenty of other players who have played at this same high level.

The Blues combination of Akira Ioane and Blake Gibson provide the loose forwards with two players with Super Rugby experience, Ioane a dynamic ball carrier and Gibson a physical hard-worker. 

The Hurricanes supply a pair of players, too, with impressive lock Geoff Cridge and talented fly-half Otere Black both being chosen. Black, in particular, impressed with Manawatu in last year's ITM Cup, showing a strong skill set and the ability to control a game. Many have marked him down a future All Black, and it is hard to disagree.

Beneath this top level, there are also a number of players with provincial experience, providing the team with depth in players who have played at a high level.

It is a strong team. The backs are lethal. Faiane, Nathaniel Apa and Jack Goodhue provide three dangerous midfield options, Li and Lienert-Brown are both devastating outside backs and in Black they have a fly-half to run the show.

The forward pack, which lacked a physical presence last year, seems much improved, too. A more abrasive and physical loose forward trio will provide go-forward, while the tight five has more bulk than in recent years.

Once virtually unstoppable at this tournament, New Zealand has not won since 2011. That has been a result of player availability over the past four years and Super Rugby teams placing higher importance on their younger prospects.

This year's team looks to be the strongest since that 2011 group and should be right up there with the contenders come the business end of the tournament.

New Zealand Under 20s squad:  Steven Misa, Ricky Riccitelli, Liam Polwart, Atu Moli (c), Isi Tu'ungafasi, Aidan Ross, Tau Koloamatangi, Mitchell Dunshea, James Blackwell, Geoff Cridge, Mitch Jacobson, Josh Goodhue, Henry Stowers, Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Mitch Karpik, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Harrison Levien, Otere Black, Mitch Hunt, TJ Faiane, Vince Aso, Nathaniel Apa, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Tevita Li, George Bridge, Luteru Laulala.