The New Zealand U20s rugby side have enjoyed a sunny camp in Mount Maunganui leading up to their departure for next month’s Junior Rugby World Cup.
The Mount served as a perfect spot to start acclimatising for the northern hemisphere summer, although hooker Flynn Thomas says the weather won't be the only challenge.
"I think adapting to a new country is one of the biggest things, he said.
"It's a foreign place, we've never been there and adapting to the time zones."
Thomas and fellow Baby Black Jay Renton forged a bond at Southland Boys' High School – a friendship they can use to help with that adaption – if the banter ever stops.
"We're definitely getting closer, he's always in my ear," Renton said.
"It's definitely exciting – it’s good getting two boys from the deep south up here."
Another newcomer to the squad this year is Will Tremain, who is a loose forward just like his famous late grandfather Kel – an All Blacks flanker of the 1960s.
"Mum and dad are really proud and that just makes me so happy and motivates me to keep doing what I'm trying to do," he said.
The squad will remain in Mount Maunganui before flying to France on Thursday where they will look to defend the world title the previous squad won last year.
The Baby Blacks' first game at the tournament is against Japan on Thursday May 31 at 7am NZT - all their matches will be screened live on TVNZ Duke.
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