SR U20s 2025
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I saw this. A lot of 2024 U18 players in the 1st half team, including some from outside the Chiefs region (Balenasia, Tasmania, Uini-Faiva, Masiri). The 2nd half team looks to have more of the expected U20 players but there are a few missing. Aisake Vakasiuola had an operation post-NPC and his arm was in a sling, so must not be fit yet.
1:30 pm Sat.
Their opposition.
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I saw this. A lot of 2024 U18 players in the 1st half team, including some from outside the Chiefs region (Balenasia, Tasmania, Uini-Faiva, Masiri). The 2nd half team looks to have more of the expected U20 players but there are a few missing. Aisake Vakasiuola had an operation post-NPC and his arm was in a sling, so must not be fit yet.
1:30 pm Sat.
Their opposition.
@Bovidae The graph intern has managed to butcher some of those names, wow. All three Feilding High players have their names spelt wrong. It's Balenaisa, Johnston, and Maisiri.
Also, is "Joey Tuamtine" supposed to be Joey Taumateine? Wouldn't he be with the NZ Sevens?
If I take my pedant cap off for a second - apologies to the graph intern - it's a great looking squad. The Chiefs U20s should be one of the favourites this year, even without Mathis and Vakasiuola.
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@Bovidae The graph intern has managed to butcher some of those names, wow. All three Feilding High players have their names spelt wrong. It's Balenaisa, Johnston, and Maisiri.
Also, is "Joey Tuamtine" supposed to be Joey Taumateine? Wouldn't he be with the NZ Sevens?
If I take my pedant cap off for a second - apologies to the graph intern - it's a great looking squad. The Chiefs U20s should be one of the favourites this year, even without Mathis and Vakasiuola.
That was from the BOP FB page. The Chiefs may release an official team list with provincial affiliations. I was surprised to see so many ex-FAHS players in the team. Johnston moved to Taranaki but I'm not sure about the others.
Taumateine hasn't played for the AB7s in recent tournaments so it makes sense he plays XVs. Not just Mathis, also Vaenuku could be involved again. Waisake Salabiau isn't playing either.
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@Bovidae The graph intern has managed to butcher some of those names, wow. All three Feilding High players have their names spelt wrong. It's Balenaisa, Johnston, and Maisiri.
Also, is "Joey Tuamtine" supposed to be Joey Taumateine? Wouldn't he be with the NZ Sevens?
If I take my pedant cap off for a second - apologies to the graph intern - it's a great looking squad. The Chiefs U20s should be one of the favourites this year, even without Mathis and Vakasiuola.
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That was from the BOP FB page. The Chiefs may release an official team list with provincial affiliations. I was surprised to see so many ex-FAHS players in the team. Johnston moved to Taranaki but I'm not sure about the others.
Taumateine hasn't played for the AB7s in recent tournaments so it makes sense he plays XVs. Not just Mathis, also Vaenuku could be involved again. Waisake Salabiau isn't playing either.
@Bovidae said in SR U20s 2025:
Waisake Salabiau isn't playing either.
I also thought Salabiau would still be eligible this year but a few sites - like Itsrugby and Ultimaterugby - give his birth year as 2004. Do you happen to know whether that's accurate?
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@Mauss great call out.
Any other teams named or games this week?
I know the Canes are playing Crusaders in Wellington on Saturday. No team list yet?
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@Bovidae said in SR U20s 2025:
Waisake Salabiau isn't playing either.
I also thought Salabiau would still be eligible this year but a few sites - like Itsrugby and Ultimaterugby - give his birth year as 2004. Do you happen to know whether that's accurate?
@Mauss said in SR U20s 2025:
I also thought Salabiau would still be eligible this year but a few sites - like Itsrugby and Ultimaterugby - give his birth year as 2004. Do you happen to know whether that's accurate?
He was playing U19s last year.
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@Bovidae have otago named their U20 team?
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Zac Nichol is an interesting one. A Google says he is out of the Aussie Schools side from last year. Or is there another 18-year-old midfield back of the same name running around NZ?
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Another interesting name is Zain Newman. The only rugby player with that name matching the age, is out of South Africa. Seems the highlanders are taking a real international approach to recruitment.
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Brailey is a talent. Out of Rotorua BHS, he played for the MÄori U18s last year. I assume Tom Martin is the Hamilton BHS hooker from last year.
@Bovidae said in SR U20s 2025:
Brailey is a talent. Out of Rotorua BHS, he played for the MÄori U18s last year. I assume Tom Martin is the Hamilton BHS hooker from last year.
There are a few talented outside backs coming through. All the Landers really do is get four to seven players a year of likely Super quality.
Lock, midfield, first five, and outside backs are porbably where there will be spots over the next 2 - 4 seasons.
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Highlanders U20s to play an Otago selection
@SouthernMann is Quinten Holland injured or was he born in 04?
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That otago team has players from every part of the country.
Dont no alot of those Wellington forwards. I worry they may not be up to the challenge of the highly touted AKL or Waikato packs. Certainly have it in the backs though the Jai at 9 and some elusive outsides. I expect them to do some damage.
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@SouthernMann is Quinten Holland injured or was he born in 04?
@Grooter said in SR U20s 2025:
@SouthernMann is Quinten Holland injured or was he born in 04?
He must be injured. Was at school in 23. So.should still be eligible.
