NZ Schools Rugby 2025
-
Next generation of chiefs to take on nz māori - Chiefs
future chiefs ready to ignite against nz māori u18 The Chiefs Rugby Club is proud to announce a squad of 37 of the region’s most promising young players to represent […]
-
The lineups for the games between the Māori U18s and Chiefs U18s, and the NZ Barbarian U18s and NZ Schools.
The backline experiments from last year (Stanley at 13, Guerin and Pahulu on the wings) seem set to be continued, with Miln being named at halfback despite mostly playing first five this year. Flynn Morey also seems to be included with the NZ Schools squad so perhaps an injury replacement? Triumph Voice looks like the only name missing from the group.
I can't say that I have a great feeling about the side but I guess we'll see.
-
Both games shouldn't have been as close as they ended up. A glorious day for afternoon rugby.
The NZS named two CCs - Siale Pahulu and Jake Hutchings.
A few comments about the NZS squad looking ahead to the games against Aust U18.
- Still have problems in the scrum despite new props.
- Both hookers struggled to throw straight at times.
- Neither starting lock is that tall, nor the 6 and 7. The reserve lock (Jacob Carter) is the tallest of their locks. Both NZ Barbarian locks are taller.
- So set piece could be an issue, which will have flow-on effects for possession.
- Plenty of speed in the outside backs.
But hey, at least Tito finally won a game at this level.
spoiler -
@Bovidae said in NZ Schools Rugby 2025:
Still have problems in the scrum despite new props.
Cody Renata isn't a loosehead prop and the issues really started when Qaranivalu went off early in the second half. Hunter didn"t fare much better there either - though Tulimanu, the Barbarian reserve tighthead, is very solid in the scrum - so I'm not sure what the play is, as far as reserve loosehead is concerned.
I thought Marco Miln was the standout player of the game, some good snipes around the ruck and clever decision-making. Jimmy Taylor was also tidy in his execution at first five, although goal-kicking will be a worry. The NZS backline still doesn't work for me: I would put Stanley at 12 and either Guerin, Pahulu or Morey at 13.
The lineout will probably be the biggest work-on. Platt and Weaver worked hard around the field but lack height. Similarly with Katoa and Lawrence, although I was impressed with the physicality and game-breaking abilities of both players.
For the Barbarians, I thought Nathan Stephens looked very threatening throughout the game, while the bench players really lifted the quality. You can easily make the argument that all of Coulthard, Solomona, Hill, Kamana and Kennedy should've started, on the basis of their play in the second half. The game might've been a bit closer throughout, if that were the case.
-
Also, Louie Treacy must be the younger brother of Xavier as they look alike. He had a bad foot injury so I don't think he will be playing the Māori. I still reckon Alex Arnold should have been in either the NZS or Barbarians team.
Flynn Morey was added to the NZS squad from the Barbarians U18s, and fellow St Peter's player Izzy Kamana from the Māori to Barbarians.
