Auckland will have six representatives at the New Zealand Under 20 Camp starting today in Palmerston North.

John Akau’ola-Laula, Rob Cobb, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa, Ben Sa’u, Harry Plummer and Tanielu Tele’a headline the Auckland contingent that will be competing against 40 other players from around the country. Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Sione Talitui are the Auckland players not considered for the camp due to injury, while Caleb Clarke, a member of the successful 2017 side, is unavailable due to his ongoing Super Rugby commitments.

While this camp doesn’t represent the final opportunity for players to make their mark and earn their plane ticket, it does present them with the ideal moment to show the coaches and selectors what they can do up-close.

With only 28 spots available on the plane to France, Head Coach Craig Philpott talked to the importance of the camp in building the squad.

“We had these players in camp in December for some testing and to set expectations and goals. This week we get to see how they have progressed over the summer months and really start building towards June.”

Considering the amount of talent still to come back from injury and other representative commitments, Philpott is bound to have several tough calls to make in the coming months.

A further camp will be held in April before the team takes part in the Oceania Tournament on the Gold Coast before the naming of the final squad to contest the World Championship from 25^th May – 18^th June.

Players selected to attend the trial camp are:

Not Considered due to Super Rugby or Sevens commitments:

Not considered due to injury:

Image Copyright: Photosport NZ