Bay of Plenty will again be represented in the New Zealand Under-20 side, with two local players named in the team to face Scotland at the Junior World Championship in Georgia.

Halfback Charlie Sinton and winger Kele Lasaqa are in the starting XV for the second Pool B clash, which kicks off at 2am (NZT) on Friday, July 3.

Coach Kane Jury has made three changes to the side that opened its campaign with a 38–21 win over Japan – a match cut short because of lightning in Kutaisi.

In the forwards, Hawke’s Bay loose forward Patrick Mauga returns at No 8 after missing the opener through injury, while Ethan Webber starts at tighthead prop. At the back, Cohen Norrie comes into the starting line-up at fullback.

Kele Lasaqa scores for Bay of Plenty against Tasman. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

The changes see Dane Johnston and Logan Williams shift to the bench, which features a six-forward, two-back split as New Zealand prepares for what is expected to be a physical contest.

Jury said Scotland looms as a strong opponent after scoring six tries in a 38-32 win over Italy in its opening match.

“We’ve gone with an extra loose forward on our bench because we expect a tough battle around the field from a very good Scotland team,” Jury said.

“They showed against Italy they have threats across the park.”

Bay of Plenty Steamers player Charlie Sinton kicking hard in the semi-final against Otago on Friday night. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

Jury said the disrupted opening match against Japan had still provided valuable lessons.

“It was a great reminder that you can’t take anything for granted in this tournament, and we’ll need to be disciplined and clinical against Scotland.”

New Zealand faces a short turnaround between matches, with the early-morning kick-off adding to the challenge as the team looks to build on its opening win.

New Zealand U20 team to play Scotland:

Henry Stuart

Josh Findlay

Ethan Webber

Max Fale

Jake Frost

Bradley Tocker

Caleb Woodley (vice-captain)

Patrick Mauga

Charlie Sinton (vice-captain)

Mika Muliaina

David Lewai

Haki Wiseman (captain)

Siale Pahulu

Kele Lasaqa

Cohen Norrie

Reserves: Alani Fakava, Dane Johnston, Alex Hewitt, Johnny Falloon, Micah Fale, Jackson Hughan, Logan Williams, Kobe Brownlee