2019 under 20's

[Wurzel]

Back to Ajay Mua - out of high school the Chiefs suggested he make the move to hooker (has the look of a young Kev Mealamu) as they felt he was too short for No 8. He had his heart set on the loose forwards so looks like he's stuck to his guns.

[Chris]

So the Highlanders have signed some of the u/20s for next season interesting considering they need
1 TH
2 locks
3 LF’s
First five
MF
3 outside backs
I wouldn’t think there would be more than 5 or 6 in this group up to SR standard And 3 of those are at franchises already

[Stargazer]

@Chris Not sure whether Ash Dixon will return to the Highlanders next year. They might need a hooker, too.

[Chris]

@Stargazer agreed maybe another AB moving too. Fizzell just heard a rumour and it’s only a Rumour as of now.

[Nogusta]

@Wurzel pretty sure the Blues put that suggestion to him as well

[Tim]

@Chris Frizzell to which team?

[Chris]

@Tim Only a Rumour Tim but the Crusaders as they need a 6

[Stargazer]

@Chris Yeah, they need to replace Taufua, esp because Sanders is always injured.

[Chris]

@Stargazer they do I thought they may go with Callum Grace

[Stargazer]

@Chris Isn't Grace a lock (that's where the NZU20s play him)?

[Chris]

@Stargazer Lock/6 has played for the Crusader Knights as 6 this year.

[Stargazer]

@Chris said in 2019 under 20's:

I wouldn’t think there would be more than 5 or 6 in this group up to SR standard And 3 of those are at franchises already

At least four that I know of:

Devan Flanders (Hurricanes)
Leicester Faingaanuku (Crusaders)
Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Chiefs)

[Chris]

@Stargazer ok didn’t realise Flanders was already signed the other 3 I alluded to.
Not a lot left to sign really maybe 3 others up to SR.

[Stargazer]

@Chris Yeah, not many. Gregory's contract expires this year, so has good chance to be picked up by a franchise. Kereru-Symes has trained all preseason with the Canes, but I don't know whether he has a contract. Quinn Tupaea if he has another good Mitre 10 Cup season. Not many others have Mitre 10 Cup experience.

Obviously, of the players that were overlooked for the JWC, Toala has a contract with the Canes. McClutchie, doesn't have a contract yet, I think, but he has already played well at M10 Cup level. Kaleb Trask, maybe worth a look at, too.

[cgrant]

Cullen Grace is 1.90m. Have you ever seen such undersized locks play in the SR ? Oh wait ...

[Canes4life]

@cgrant the Canterbury James Blackwell. Both red heads aswell.

[Chris]

@cgrant Grace is maybe an option as a 6 who can cover lock

[cgrant]

@Canes4life I had him in mind, of course.

[Stargazer]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/113179600/new-zealand-under20s-coach-craig-philpott-not-feeling-the-heat-ahead-of-world-champs

[Machpants]

@Stargazer He blimmin' well should be feeling the heat, the muppet