The 1/3rd team.

The Juniors All Blacks have been summed up as the 1/3rd team. 1/3 of them are over the moon to be here in this squad, 1/3 are gutted to not be in the senior ABs’ team, the other 1/3 are in between & maybe a little confused.

Molding this mindset into one of positivity and victories has been done very well by Ian Foster & his wider management. We can all see that on paper they are a devastating looking squad, this doesn’t always transpire onto the pitch, but the coaching has ensured it has.

Sticking with the math’s on this team 1/3 of them must be very close to being drafted up to the big boys. Depending on injuries reality is that almost all of this squad are on stand bye for a call from Mr Henry. Talking to Tamiti today he said ”Yeah the fact that we are all on the fringes does motivate us to play well”. These lads are fully aware that they can sniff an AB’s jersey. Tamiti went on to say, “After a long super 14 season our bodies are tired, but to get this jersey & honour makes us eager to play”.

The Junior All Blacks will play Tonga in their final IRB Pacific Nations Cup match in Suva today 3.10pm.

The Junior All Blacks beat Japan 52-21 in their third match running in eight tries. “We didn’t have a great second half against Japan and are looking to improve on that performance and finish the tournament on a high,” said Junior All Blacks co-coach Colin Cooper.

“Tonga play with a lot of pride and we know they will bring a physical game but our guys are refreshed after a few days off and looking forward to maintaining an unbeaten record in the tournament,” he said.

The Junior All Blacks already have the trophy in their hands, but will aim to end the season with a convincing display against the Tongans. The Island nation has been hit hard with injuries, but this will not stop the resolve in the squad to be competitive. They are one team in the world that can match the formidable NZ side for size, this thought is something they are well aware of and they should play to their strengths, muscles in the forwards.

Players to watch for the JAB’s are Rene Danger Ranger, Hosea Gear and Anthony Tuitavake. These 3 have an explosive component in their game; they are also not scared to use their talents either. The Suva stadium is a little wet under foot, but these Kiwi boys have all played in the rain and will let the skill factor overtake the conditions.

The Junior All Blacks side to play Tonga is:

1. Jamie Mackintosh 2. Hikawera Elliot 3. Ben Franks 4. Jeremy Thrush 5. Tom Donnelly (captain) 6. Jason Eaton 7. Karl Lowe
8. Sione Lauaki 9. Alby Mathewson 10. Stephen Brett 11. Hosea Gear 12. Ryan Crotty 13. Anthony Tuitavake 14. Rene Ranger
15. Isreal Dagg
 

Reserves
16. Jason Macdonald 17. John Schwalger 18. Victor Vito