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.

“Unfortunately we had a bit of a disruption over the weekend when a few of the Reds boys got called back into the Reds, which is great for them but doesn’t help our preparation,” Thompson said.

“We also had a few injuries so that has caused a few late changes but it gives us a chance to see a few more players and that will help in the long run.”

Queensland Country flanker Maclean Jones has been named captain for the opening match, with Brumbies centre Jordan Jackson-Hope named at inside centre.

Eastern Suburbs fullback Jack Maddocks is one of just three New South Welshman in the side, but is expected to add plenty of spark from fullback.

“We certainly want to back ourselves and play an attacking brand of footy, not just against New Zealand but in all of our games, so we have been encouraging the boys to test their skills and to test the opposition so I’m confident we’ll play an attacking brand of footy.”

With a handful of the squads more experienced players ruled out of the opening match, Thompson said some of the younger players have stood up and quickly filled that void.

“Angus Scott-Young has been a standout this week, he’s done very well and so has Ryan McCauley. They are two guys that have another year in the 20s program, but they are already standing up and leading from the front.

“It’s the strongest side that is available, but come Saturday there will hopefully be some more guys available, so it’ll be a slightly different side.

“There are a couple of other guys that are carrying niggling injuries and aren’t quite right to play the first match, then one or two more that only arrived today, so they will get an opportunity on Saturday.”

The match will be streamed live from 6:30pm tonight.