Twelve players who turned out for New Zealand at the Youth World Cup will return to Kuala Lumpur, but this time as Elite representatives. Two of those are Savarna Asafo-Tavita and Pokaiaua Kurukaanga who have been selected for the Open Mixed and Men’s squads respectively. 

Malaysia was a new experience for the majority of the contingent, both players and management alike. Their preparation was mostly done back home during the winter, but the biggest factor that the players faced was the heat.

Kurukaanga stresses that hydration and fuel along with personal recovery will be a key second time around, “Here in NZ sometimes players can afford to not drink as much or eat as much throughout the day, but over there that’s not how it is.”

“I got myself into a routine of what to do before each game and after each game and stuck to it. I believe my routine, and self-discipline got me through my tournament,” says Asafo-Tavita. 

Many of the family members who travelled to Kuala Lumpur witnessed first-hand just how tough it can be to play in Malaysia’s climate, many of whom jumping in to help the players cool down, as Kurukaanga explains, “I saw players and friends of mine put on a drip machine because they were extremely dehydrated or had little to no food in their body.”

The duo will link up again with fellow members Tarkyn Loloselo, Tiaan McIntyre, Ifor Jones, Atawhai Hotene, Jessica Faulks, Isla Norman-Bell, Jade Bowen, Olivia O’Neill, Meg Sycamore, and Princess Elliot. 

There are also two familiar faces from Malaysia, with ‘Youth’ coaches Dayna Turnbull, and Michael Cavanagh switching the clipboard for the boots as Women’s and Men’s players respectively. 

While all six teams did not get the desired result, there were many memories that were created off the field, which included a tour of Kuala Lumpur’s greatest sights like the Petronas Towers, and the Istana Kerajaan Royal Palace, which is the home of the Malaysian King. 

Asafo-Tavita says she was, “…super excited because I didn't really know what to expect.”

“It's one of those things that you have to be there and do it to understand. The supportive atmosphere was great and I didn't expect so many supporters to travel over. It was such a privilege being able to represent my country in a sport that I love, especially at a Youth World Cup.”

Representing his country wasn’t the only highlight for the Auckland representative known by many as ‘Chops’. Kurukaanga was chosen by cultural advisor Hika Pene to lead the haka at the jersey presentation. 

“Being able to step forward and have a whole contingent of players follow your lead was unlike anything I’ve done before and I will always remember that moment,” says Kurukaanga, a proud Māori who identifies as Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Hine, and Ngāpuhi. 

It’s highly likely that the New Zealand elite teams will meet their biggest rivals Australia in the finals. Asafo-Tavita has already tasted success over Australia in a World Cup when the Mixed Under-20’s managed to win their second game over their Trans-Tasman rivals.

“Playing Aussie is always a grind. But getting a test cap on them was a pretty unreal feeling. It was both physically and mentally challenging, but in the end, very rewarding and self-satisfying.”

It’s a unique situation for the young guns to be giving the older statesmen and stateswomen advice on conditions. In most cases, it’s the senior players offering up their wisdom to the junior members. However, the Youth World Cup has given both Asafo-Tavita and Kurukaanga a platform to dish it out.

Says Asafo-Tavita, “Be mentally prepared for anything that could happen and to know that you need to look after yourself regardless of how 'fit' you think you are, or how much fluid you are drinking.”

“Remember to have fun and not take it for granted. There are a lot of players that work hard and come and trial so when you’re over there give 100% and make sure to create memories both on and off the touch field, because you never know if you’ll get an experience like it again,” says Kurukaanga. 

2018 YOUTH WORLD CUP MEMBERS 

MEN: **†Michael Cavanagh, Pokaiaua Kurukaanga, Tiaan McIntyre (Auckland), ***Finlay Barnett (Waikato), and Tarkyn Loloselo (Counties-Manukau). 

MIXED: Savarna Asafo -Tavita (Auckland), Ifor Jones (Waikato), Jessica Faulks, and Atawhai Hotene (Otago). 

WOMEN: Princess Elliot, Isla Norman-Bell, **†Dayna Turnbull (Counties-Manukau), Jade Bowen (Canterbury), Olivia O’Neill, and Meg Sycamore (Otago). 

**Both Dayna Turnbull and Michael Cavanagh were coaches of the Women’s Under 20s and Men’s U20s respectively. 

†Provinces are taken from the 2019 Bunnings National Touch Championship in Rotorua

*A special mention to Finlay Barnett who is a non-travelling member and has been with the Touch Blacks Men during camp. Barnett was a member of the Under 18 Boys squad. 

Article added: Tuesday 16 April 2019