8 Jun 2006

The Junior All Blacks co coaches not underestimating Manu Samoa

7:34 am on 8 June 2006

The Junior All Blacks are not underestimating Manu Samoa and have named a strong lineup for their IRB five nations match at Auckland's North Harbour stadium on Friday night.

The coaches have made seven changes to the side that beat Fiji last weekend.

John Schwalger comes in for Saimone Taumoepeau at loosehead prop, while Johnny Leo'o takes over at openside flanker in place of Josh Blackie.

Kevin Senio and Jimmy Gopperth will pair up while Sosene Anesi moves to left wing to make way for Ben Atiga at fullback.

Caleb Ralph switches from left wing to centre with Tamati Ellison at second five-eighths, and Viliame Waqaseduadua replaces Anthony Tuitavake on the right wing.

North Harbour lock Anthony Boric has been named in the reserves and could make his Junior All Blacks debut.

Meanwhile, Junior All Blacks co-coach Colin Cooper says Samoa is a strong and physical side with pace throughout the backline.

He says we realise the potential of Samoa and we've seen some of their players in action in the Super 14. They are a proud rugby nation and we expect a good encounter.

Junior All Blacks team to play Samoa: 1. John Schwalger, 2. Corey Flynn (captain), 3. John Afoa, 4. Tom Donnelly, 5. Bernie Upton, 6. Steven Bates,

7. Johnny Leo'o, 8. Nick Williams, 9. Kevin Senio, 10. Jimmy Gopperth, 11. Sosene Anesi, 12. Tamati Ellison, 13. Caleb Ralph, 14. Viliame Waqaseduadua, 15. Ben Atiga.

Reserves: 16. Saimone Taumoepeau, 17. Campbell Johnstone, 18. Anthony Boric, 19. Josh Blackie, 20. Jamie Nutbrown, 21. Cameron McIntyre, 22. Anthony Tuitavake