2017 New Zealand U20s
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NZU20 team to play Australia (Sat 6 May, 9.00pm):
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Ezekiel Lindenmuth - Auckland
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Asafo Aumua - Wellington
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Pouri Rakete-Stones - Hawke’s Bay
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Isaia Walker-Leawere - Wellington
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Sam Caird - Waikato
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Dalton Papalii - Auckland
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Tom Christie - Canterbury
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Luke Jacobson (C) - Waikato
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Ereatara Enari (VC) - Canterbury
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Tiaan Falcon - Hawke’s Bay
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Tima Faingaanuku - Ta$man
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Orbyn Leger - Counties Manukau
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Tamati Tua - Northland
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Josh McKay - Canterbury
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Will Jordan - Ta$man
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JP Sauni - Auckland
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Harrison Allan - Canterbury
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Alex Fidow - Wellington
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Jacob Pierce - Auckland
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Marino Mikaele-Tu'u - Hawke’s Bay
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Kemara Hauiti-Parapara - Wellington
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Thomas Umaga-Jensen - Wellington
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Caleb Clarke - Auckland
Four players will get their first start in the tournament. Carlos Price (ankle) and Brayden Ennor (knee) were not considered due to injury.http://www.allblacks.com/News/30739/nz-under-20-team-named-for-oceania-decider
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They've done what they said before the tournament, that is, giving everyone game time and starts; so this is not necessarily the strongest line-up.
I'm not sold on Jacobson, but with him being the captain, I can understand they've made an exception for him and are giving him 3 starts. Just a pity this means that Mikaele-Tu'u is on the bench.
Had forgotten that Enari is in the squad; he wasn't in the line-ups for Fiji and Samoa. As he's already played Mitre 10 Cup (and one SR game), he should be up to it. Will be interesting to see how he compares with Price. Also looking forward to seeing how the halves combo between Enari and Falcon works.
Also, finally a chance to have another look at Walker-Leawere, who's now in the starting line-up.
Didn't expect McKay at the right wing; don't know anything about him, what's his preferred position? Or is he a utility back?
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They've done what they said before the tournament, that is, giving everyone game time and starts; so this is not necessarily the strongest line-up.
I'm not sold on Jacobson, but with him being the captain, I can understand they've made an exception for him and are giving him 3 starts. Just a pity this means that Mikaele-Tu'u is on the bench.
Had forgotten that Enari is in the squad; he wasn't in the line-ups for Fiji and Samoa. As he's already played Mitre 10 Cup (and one SR game), he should be up to it. Will be interesting to see how he compares with Price. Also looking forward to seeing how the halves combo between Enari and Falcon works.
Also, finally a chance to have another look at Walker-Leawere, who's now in the starting line-up.
Didn't expect McKay at the right wing; don't know anything about him, what's his preferred position? Or is he a utility back?
@Stargazer said in 2017 New Zealand U20s:
Didn't expect McKay at the right wing; don't know anything about him, what's his preferred position? Or is he a utility back?
Fullback/ First five.
Another one off the Christchurch Boys High production line.
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I haven't seen either NZ game so how has Christie played? Papali'i could be moved to 7 and Jacobson to 6.
@Bovidae said in 2017 New Zealand U20s:
I haven't seen either NZ game so how has Christie played? Papali'i could be moved to 7 and Jacobson to 6.
Christie played very well during the first game v Fiji. Scored two tries. He didn't play against Samoa.
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@Bovidae said in 2017 New Zealand U20s:
I haven't seen either NZ game so how has Christie played? Papali'i could be moved to 7 and Jacobson to 6.
Christie played very well during the first game v Fiji. Scored two tries. He didn't play against Samoa.
@Stargazer I only watched bits of the Fiji game, so wondering how Tua went at 13 as I see he gets another start so hopefully means he did well enough to retain the spot.
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@Stargazer I only watched bits of the Fiji game, so wondering how Tua went at 13 as I see he gets another start so hopefully means he did well enough to retain the spot.
@taniwharugby I honestly can't remember much of his game because Leger stole the limelight at 12 and was outstanding. I'm not sure whether selection for tomorrow's game means that a player "did well enough to retain the spot". In the media release, the coach says
The game is also the last opportunity for players to impress selectors prior to the naming of the squad for the World Rugby Under 20 World Championship in Georgia next week. “After two solid performances against Fiji and Samoa, we have selected a side to play Australia that in some cases is based on form, and in others on giving those returning from injury a final opportunity to press their claim for selection.Of course, injury of other players plays a role in selection as well, and in this case, his main competitor (Ennor) is injured. But obviously, that doesn't mean Tua wouldn't have gotten the start if Ennor had been available, nor does it mean he didn't play well v Fiji.
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Bullshit penalty to Aus. NZ flanker used his foot in the scrum to push the ball back, and the ref said he used his hand
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This team looks well coached. It can't be Philpott. Who are the assistant coaches?
@Stockcar86 said in 2017 New Zealand U20s:
This team looks well coached. It can't be Philpott. Who are the assistant coaches?
Willie Rickards (Taranaki assistant coach) and Cory Brown (Otago head coach)
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