New Zealand under 20

bobily

That's the thing, though. I don't think it is based on ability. I think it is on a combination of age vs ability. So if you are the best hooker and your birth year was 1996, you will get picked. If you are the second best hooker and your birth year is 1997, then you will only get picked if you are considered to be a fair amount better than the next best option with a 1996 birth year.
 
The non-selection of Umaga-Jensen would then indicate that you have to be MUCH better if you are a year younger, or that given Umaga-Jensen's injury meant that they hadn't seen enough of him, and didn't have the chance to show he is a fair bit better than Tuitama/Makene.
 
Either way, I agree that he should be there.

Frye

Who knows, maybe the U-J boys have an attitude problem. 
Both Makene and Lowe looked good in the Georgia match. 
If anyone could feel aggrieved it is probably Emerson, anyway.

Canes4life

If they had an attitude problem I don't think Peter would have been given the NZ Schools captain duties a year back.

Chris B.

Here's the Japanese tries vs the Junior Boks - all by one guy. First try it looks like the Boks think they're playing touch rugby - especially the effort by the number 11. :)
 
Looks like a big boy! Already being likened to Jonah.

rotated

That was the first game I've watched Jordie Barrett and it was against Georgia but jeez that kid seems to have excellent poise and rugby IQ. Very exciting prospect.
 
Hopefully doesn't go the same way as another AB younger brother who I thought would hit 40 tests easy after watching this tournament - Luke Braid.

Canes4life

Here's the Japanese tries vs the Junior Boks - all by one guy. First try it looks like the Boks think they're playing touch rugby - especially the effort by the number 11. :)
 
Looks like a big boy! Already being likened to Jonah.
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Hopefully Japan can keep their hands on him.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="585606" data-time="1465353076">
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Hopefully Japan can keep their hands on him. 
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Tonga might disagree ...

Immenso Rapido

Was Jacobsen acting like he had just been bitten? When the cameras were on him as the comma gave him motm?

Immenso Rapido

Sam Nock looks the goods, big time. I love the A Smith style halfbacks that have back into fashion.

tubbyj

NZ captain Jacobson looks a little similar to Richie McCaw in appearance.

MiketheSnow

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="585606" data-time="1465353076">
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Hopefully Japan can keep their hands on him. 
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Commited now. Japan doesn't have an 'A' side.

Bones

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="tubbyj" data-cid="585685" data-time="1465382738">
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NZ captain Jacobson looks a little similar to Richie McCaw in appearance.
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<img src="http://media.allblacks.com/dnaImages/PlayersSecondary/p2223.jpg" alt="p2223.jpg">

RoninWC

Just watching the replay last night, not finished the game but into the 2nd half, and I'm very impressed the Jordie Barrett. He just looks so composed a great pass and vision and looks to have some pace... I think we are looking at a future All Black 1st 5/8. And his kicking, damn those first 2 conversions were just sweet.
 
Sorry Beauden but your youngest Bro looks a more complete package.
 
Could be that we could see in the not too distant future a AB lineup that includes 3 Barrett brothers, Jordie at 1st 5/8, Scott at lock and Beauden still coming off the bench as the 10/15 reserve.
 
Nock also looks the goods, good passing and reasonable decision making and even resembles Aaron of the Smiths.
 
They look a more composed team in this match when compared to their last trial match against the Aussies.

taniwharugby

I went to a Smallblacks coaching clinic being run by Nocks father, and a couple of tidbits emphasized how hard Sam has worked to get to where he is and some of the basic passing drills he did growing up to hone his skills.

SammyC

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="586042" data-time="1465517128">
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I went to a Smallblacks coaching clinic being run by Nocks father, and a couple of tidbits emphasized how hard Sam has worked to get to where he is and some of the basic passing drills he did growing up to hone his skills.
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I know that Canterbury/Crusaders tried really hard to sign Nock last year, but he has too much loyalty to Northland.
 
Gotta respect an attitude like that

taniwharugby

I had heard that his Dad suggested it might be better for his career if he played elsewhere, which I can sadly understand and appreciate (true or not)

RoninWC

So has Nock committed to any of the SR franchises as yet?
 
I think he would be a great asset to a building Blues side :good:

taniwharugby

he is in year 1 of a 3 year contract with the Blues he signed prior to playing ITM Cup....has had time for the Blues dev side this year, might have even been on the bench for the Blues in one game???

RoninWC

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="586056" data-time="1465518605">
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he is in year 1 of a 3 year contract with the Blues he signed prior to playing ITM Cup....has had time for the Blues dev side this year, might have even been on the bench for the Blues in one game???
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Ah that is great news. And now that you mention it, I do have a hazy recollection of him on the bench for one of the Blues matches.
 
Looks quite the talent and that he is very committed to putting in the hard work, hope he keeps that up.
 
Now to find a good a 5/8.

Stargazer

<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/80921130/georgian-player-on-biting-charge-from-loss-to-new-zealand-at-world-under20-rugby-championship'>Georgian player banned for nine weeks after biting New Zealand star at world under-20 rugby championship</a>

The Silver Fern

New Zealand under 20