Australian U20s desperate to break drought against New Zealand
Australian under 20s coach Adrian Thompson said his side is desperate to break their drought against New Zealand when the Trans Tasman rivals meet in a two match series, beginning this afternoon, on the Gold Coast.
Since the inaugural under 20s tournament in 2008, New Zealand has won all five clashes against Australia, a statistic Thompson is desperate to change ahead of this year’s World Championships in England in June.
“I think it’s important to beat New Zealand anytime you play them. I don’t really think the result relates too much to the World Cup later this year, but we are definitely focussed on getting a good result against them,” Thompson said.
“Our underage teams have been struggling against the Kiwis, not just the under 20s, but at Schoolboy level as well, so we need to start turning that around.”
While just six players return from Australia’s 2015 campaign, seven players named in the extended squad are currently contracted to a Super Rugby club.
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