2017 New Zealand U20s

Stargazer

@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.

taniwharugby

@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.

Stargazer

@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.

cgrant

Not to see Caleb Clarke in the starting XV is a big surprise for me. He was really impressive against Samoa.

Stargazer

Livestream here on YouTube:

Stockcar86

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

Stargazer

Other streams:
http://www.facebook.com/rugbycomau/videos/1103981323079227/

http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2017/05/04/22/23/australia-new-zealand-u20s-live

Stargazer

One change in the line-up on the AB website: Mikaele-Tu'u has been added to the injury list and Adrian Choat takes his place on the bench.

Stargazer

Luke Jacobson picks up the ball at the back of the scrum and dives over for the first try. Tiaan Falcon converts the try: 7-3 NZ

Stargazer

Penalty goal Tiaan Falcon: 10-3 NZ

Stargazer

Damn, Falcon is good; delivering some great passes there. Enari, too.

Try Walker-Leawere. Falcon converts again: 17-3 NZ

Stargazer

Great try scored by Will Jordan after slicing through the Aussie defence like a knife through butter. Falcon with another perfect conversion: 24-6.

Stockcar86

This team looks well coached. It can't be Philpott. Who are the assistant coaches?

Stargazer

It's going fast now, with Tamati Tua scoring in the corner. Falcon has a rare miss.
29-6 NZ

Stargazer

@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)

Stargazer

Half time: 29 - 6 NZ

I like how this team is going. Not too many errors, good decision making, some strong boys in that forward pack, outside backs being pests for the opposition (esp. 14 and 15), good kicking and leadership from the 10, a quick 9.

Stargazer

Another try to NZ. Ref initially called a NZ knock-on but ass ref said it wasn't. No camera angle from that side, so there's no way of knowing what happened. Couldn't see it.

Falcon converts: 36- 6 NZ.

Stockcar86

Falcon can tackle like his dad...

Stargazer

@Stockcar86 What do you reckon. If Otere Black leaves the Canes, a contract for Falcon?

Stockcar86

Rakete-Stones looks like a young Clint Newlands

The Silver Fern

2017 New Zealand U20s