
The game marks another step in the development of talented midfielder Gideon Wrampling who will captain the side with lock Zach Gallagher supporting him as vice-captain in the engine room.
19-year-old Wrampling made his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs this year and will form a formidable midfield with Northland’s Corey Evans.
The game is important preparation for the Cook Islands who are set to play the loser of the Manu Samoa v Tonga series in a Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifier the following weekend.
The game kicks off at Dilworth School at 12:00pm on Saturday and is open to the public.
The New Zealand Under 20 side is:
1: Joshua Fusitua
2: George Bell
3: Sione Ahio
4: Fabian Holland
5: Zach Gallagher (Vice Captain)
6: TK Howden
7: Anton Segner
8: Vaiolini Ekuasi
9: Cortez Lee Ratima
10: Aidan Morgan
11: Te Paea Cook-Savage
12: Corey Evans
13: Gideon Wrampling (Captain)
14: Michael Manson
15: Harry Godfrey
RESERVES:
16: Harry Press
17: Joe Gavigan
18: Luca Inch
19: Dom Gardiner
20: Jack Sexton
21: Nathan Hastie
22: Manu Paea
23: Riley Higgins
24: Nathaniel Peters
25: Sean Withy
26: Peter Lakai
27: Meihana Grindlay
NOTE: Squad numbers have been enlarged for this fixture and rolling subs will be used throughout the match.