SR U20s 2025
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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 Māori 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 Māori 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
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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.
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Was in Wellington to pickup a desk so i went along to the Hurricanes vs Crusaders game in upper hutt.
As predicted, Crusaders forwards were pretty exceptional. Front row in particular were stand outs. The hooker was all over the field and in general a hard man to bring down. Loosies were working hard all game and found plenty of room close to the ruck.
Wellington forwards tried hard but they are not physical enough and definately dont have the skillset of the Crusaders forwards. The 10 and fijian winger also really impressive.
Hurricanes game was very predictable and for some odd reason very forwards orientated. Jai at 9 was ok but the 10 from HB was very average. Good kicking game but poor running and passing.
Stanley at 15 was quiet. They shut him down well. His defense was sound. Wingers for Canes were very good. Two Jacobs on the team sheet. The 11 in particular looks very sharp and scored the try of the day.
Bench was good for Canes, especially the inside backs. Crusaders were cruising by this point and will be a tough match up in Taupo.
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@Bovidae It seems there's a bit of a gap in quality between the first and second half U20 sides for the Chiefs. The 'B' side, who played in the first, lost the half to the Bay Wasps by 41 points to 0. The 'A' side, who played the second, won their half 24-10. So it ended 51-24.
I thought Charlie Sinton, Jayden Sa, Pyrenees Boyle-Tiatia and Brooke Mitchell played well for the Chiefs U20s in that second half. Not a lot of standout performers in the first half, understandably.
Taine Craig Ranga, Sione Tupou and Kase Meyer were good for BOP.
