2018 New Zealand U20s

[98blueandgold]

@cgrant from what I have seen I think Aussies have one of the strongest scrums at u20 for the last three years, something they have put a lot of effort into. On saying that I think we have improved since Oceania but will still struggle somewhat. Not the end of the world, especially if you count both props (starting v wales) will return next year as well.

[KiwiMurph]

New Zealand Under 20 Coach Craig Philpott has named the team to face Australia in their last pool match at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

The team is;

1. Rob Cobb - Auckland

2. Flynn Thomas - Southland

3. Tevita Mafileo - Bay of Plenty

4. Laghlan McWhannell - Waikato

5. John Akauola-Laula - Auckland

6. Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa - Auckland

7. Tom Christie (captain) - Canterbury

8. Devan Flanders - Hawke's Bay

9. Jay Renton - Southland

10. Harry Plummer - Auckland

11. Caleb Clarke - Auckland

12. Scott Gregory - Northland

13. Billy Proctor - Wellington

14. Bailyn Sullivan - Waikato

15. Vilimoni Koroi - Otago

16. Kaliopasi Uluilakepa - Wellington

17. Xavier Numia - Wellington

18. Sione Asi - Manawatu

19. Will Tucker - Canterbury

20. Hoskins Sotutu - Auckland

21. Xavier Roe - Waikato

22. Kaleb Trask - Bay of Plenty

23. Jamie Spowart - Ta$man

http://www.allblacks.com/News/32528/new-zealand-under-20-team-named-to-face-australia

[Stargazer]

@kiwimurph I know there's a rotation policy for the pool games, but against a team like Australia, shouldn't they use the best hooker and blindside flanker in the team (Jackson & Florence)? They're not even on the bench. They are using the same props as in the Oceania game v Oz, and that wasn't a success. I hope this ends well. A lot will also depend on discipline. Three YCs in the game against Wales; the same number of cards against the Aussies will cost them the game.

Good to see Plummer at 10. Only wondering whether Gregory has ever played at 12? Thus far, he's worn the 22 and 23 jersey ..

[ARHS]

Florence and Fainga'anuku are out it seems for rest of tournament. I would like to have seen Tremain get a start. We have a very strong bench against the reinforced Australian team, so hoping that will see us through. This good rotation should see us relatively fresh for knockout matches after this.

[Rapido]

@stargazer said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@kiwimurph I know there's a rotation policy for the pool games, but against a team like Australia, shouldn't they use the best hooker and blindside flanker in the team (Jackson & Florence)? They're not even on the bench. They are using the same props as in the Oceania game v Oz, and that wasn't a success. I hope this ends well. A lot will also depend on discipline. Three YCs in the game against Wales; the same number of cards against the Aussies will cost them the game.

Good to see Plummer at 10. Only wondering whether Gregory has ever played at 12? Thus far, he's worn the 22 and 23 jersey ..

Gregory is a midfielder, has played NPC level for Northland hasn't he ?

[taniwharugby]

@rapido not yet...

I have no idea if he has played 12, but you'd assume at that age they do move about a bit, but then still a big difference between 12 to 13.

But from what I've heard he has been impressing at training ( which to some coaches that's all that matters )

[Stargazer]

@arhs said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Florence and Fainga'anuku are out it seems for rest of tournament. I would like to have seen Tremain get a start. We have a very strong bench against the reinforced Australian team, so hoping that will see us through. This good rotation should see us relatively fresh for knockout matches after this.

Yep, only just saw this from the ABs website:

NOTE: Tom Florence (shoulder) and Leicester Faingaanuku (hamstring) have been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with injury and have returned to New Zealand. Tanielu Tele’a faced a judicial hearing after receiving a yellow card in the match against Wales which resulted in a three-week suspension, therefore Tele’a will take no further part in the tournament.

Canterbury’s Ngane Punivai will join the team in France.

Agree about Tremain, but it seems his path is blocked mostly by Tom Christie, who - as the captain - seems to get a start every single game. Apart from being the captain, I'm not so sure that's justified. He has been good, but not outstanding.

[taniwharugby]

@stargazer is Florence the ginger that got a YC in the Welsh game?

[Stargazer]

@taniwharugby Yes, and it was a bullshit card.

[taniwharugby]

@stargazer looked a handy player!

[cgrant]

Uluilakepa is named as the reserve hooker. He must be the biggest hooker ever at any level (1.90 m, 145 kg).

[nzzp]

Remind me again how to watch tomorrwo morning? Is it on Sky, or on another channel?

[Stargazer]

@nzzp It's on Duke (on tv, but I think also online if you register on the TVNZ website).

[nzzp]

@stargazer thanks fella, brain has shut down tonight

[Machpants]

Scott played ten for Whangarei Boys, twelve when he was in the development teams. Ten was his preferred position but he was used in twelve cos he was pretty big, NZ hammer champ etc. Not talked to him since he left school tho, but twelve and playmaking not new to him, but not at this level. Great to see him start!

[Crucial]

@taniwharugby said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@stargazer is Florence the ginger that got a YC in the Welsh game?

That must be the guy that when I glimpsed him on the highlights I thought 'Look! Paul Tito has returned'

[Stargazer]

I agree that that "try" wasn't a try, but I hate it that they first award it and then just before the conversion is kicked, they decide to have a further look and disallow it.

[Stargazer]

Now it's a try to Plummer. He converts his own try: 7 - 0 after 5 minutes.

[Stargazer]

Bullshit penalty. The kick from the Aussie first 5/8 is good. 7 - 3 to NZ after 10 minutes.

[Stargazer]

Woweeeeee, Intercept try scored by Devan Flanders. The lad can run!