New Zealand under 20

[Stargazer]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MiketheSnow" data-cid="588408" data-time="1466015037">
<div>
<p>Yeah fair play. Composure was the difference.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If the results don't go NZ's way, will this be the first time they don't qualify for semis?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, I think so.</p>

[leytonandamanda]

This side looks poorly coached <br><br><br>
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[Billy Tell]

<p>So far this tournament is turning into a 'mare for Robertson and his pending Crusaders interview.</p>

[Bovidae]

<p>Got out of jail there.  NZ didn't cope with Wales' blitz defence, or the pressure at the breakdown.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now they have to cheer for England and France.</p>

[Bovidae]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="588412" data-time="1466015772">
<div>
<p>So far this tournament is turning into a 'mare for Robertson and his pending Crusaders interview.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>He interviewed before leaving NZ but I agree, the performance of the U20s hasn't enhanced Robertson's coaching creds.</p>

[Stargazer]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="588415" data-time="1466016154">
<div>
<p>He interviewed before leaving NZ but I agree, the performance of the U20s hasn't enhanced Robertson's coaching creds.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>It's not his first year as U20 coach and he's had success last year. He can blame it on his assistants, one of whom has also applied for the Crusaders gig. Just blame it on Philpott, who probably has been mostly responsible for the failing forward pack.  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>On the other hand, let's not blame it on Philpott because many Magpies fans will be happy for him to get the Crusaders gig.  :bye:</p>

[Billy Tell]

<p>Luckily Schmidt will rock up as Crusaders coach, and the Highlanders can enjoy their Hammett/Robertson/Philpott triumvirate.</p>

[leytonandamanda]

Maybe last year his assistants were the making of Robertson and this year we are seeing what he is really like<br><br><br>
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[Mofitzy]

Could be that this is just a particularly poor side. Which might be a selection issue but with near 100% turnover there is bound to be significant fluctuations in quality over the years.

[leytonandamanda]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Mofitzy" data-cid="588421" data-time="1466018974"><p>Could be that this is just a particularly poor side. Which might be a selection issue but with near 100% turnover there is bound to be significant fluctuations in quality over the years.</p></blockquote>
Could be that yeah<br><br><br>
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[Frye]

<p>Robertson was the forwards coach two years ago when the scrum and lineout was hopeless. At least it was just the scrum this time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd say he more likely got lucky last year because of some incredible talent rather than vice versa.</p>

[Smithy_NZ]

<p>Need a French miracle in the last ten... otherwise we are out.</p>

[leytonandamanda]

Nz are out as things stand at the moment with South Africa winning and bonus point<br><br><br>
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[leytonandamanda]

Deffinately out now with South Africa scoring another try<br><br><br>
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[leytonandamanda]

5 minutes left<br><br><br>
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[canefan]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="588418" data-time="1466016849"><p>Luckily Schmidt will rock up as Crusaders coach, and the Highlanders can enjoy their Hammett/Robertson/Philpott triumvirate.</p></blockquote>ugh

[Derm McCrum]

The rugby world just shifted slightly on its axis.

[Canes4life]

<p>The only positive thing about us being bumbled out early is that I don't have to go through another 80 minutes watching garbage like that.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The skillset of that team was well below NZ standards. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>A few learnings from the competition:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Apisai shouldn't have been captain when his replacement Aumua is a far more rounded player.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Barrett, Mikaele Tu'u and Stevenson can hold their heads high. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our Scrum was shithouse.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We suck at playing in the rain, however that is no excuse.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Maybe a few players left out like Emerson and Umaga Jensen could have made the difference in what was a pretty ordinary backline.</p>

[SammyC]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="588418" data-time="1466016849">
<div>
<p>Luckily Schmidt will rock up as Crusaders coach, and the Highlanders can enjoy their Hammett/Robertson/Philpott triumvirate.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I've never rated Robertson, can hardly string a sentence together.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Never sighted at club rugby (too busy surfing probably), preferring to pick his Canterbury sides almost exclusively from Lincoln, Christchurch and Old Boys.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I stand by my source that Schmidt has applied for the crusaders job, but I still worry about Riach picking Fatson or Robertson. Mainly so he can point to his "succession plan" and doesn't appear to be admitting to failure. Hopefully the board of directors has more sense than that (although I doubt it)</p>

[Derm McCrum]

Schmidt applying for the Crusaders job??!!<br><br>
Don't be silly - he hasn't any relevant experience. <br><br>
Sure he's won nothing of note. <br><br>
I'd leave him where he is to be honest. There must be a lot better coaches around.