2023 NZ Schools

[Bovidae]

Some rotation in the Māori and Barbarians. Jai Taimati missing at halfback, replaced by Halen King. Pretty much the same NZ Schools team, although James Cameron was a late withdrawal.

Also, the starting 1st 5 for the Māori is from Te Kuiti HS, so good to see a smaller school represented.

[Stargazer]

NZR have edited their post on FB and it now says that the Australia U18 v NZ Schools game will be live on Sky Sport.

[Dolamite]

If Randall Baker went to a 1A school, he would have made one of the teams. I think he’s the best loose forward in Auckland

[Bovidae]

@Dolamite said in 2023 NZ Schools:

If Randall Baker went to a 1A school, he would have made one of the teams. I think he’s the best loose forward in Auckland

I see he was playing no.8 for the Divisional XV, so not even selected for the Gulls. What school?

[Bovidae]

https://www.allblacks.com/news/new-zealand-schools-named-for-first-australia-u18-match/

[nostrildamus]

@Bovidae said in 2023 NZ Schools:

This photo shows the size of Pledger, the starting halfback, compared to the two locks.

Pledger looks like a good sized lock for the Hurricanes!

[Stargazer]

Posting this here, because the Aussie Rugby thread is too busy discussing the state of Aussie rugby.

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/australian-schools-u18s-side-named-for-nz-clash-2023927

[Bovidae]

So much for my prediction.

Spoiler

The Māori made too many mistakes and got dominated at the breakdown, while the bounce of the ball went the NZ Barbarians way all game. Nathan Salmon got 4 tries.

NZ Barbarians U18s 41 - 5 NZ Māori U18s (HT: 22-0)

[taniwharugby]

@Bovidae Salmon showed good pace, particularly for the 2nd try.

[Bovidae]

@taniwharugby Yes. He got some ball in this game unlike against NZ Schools.

[frugby]

Is this a minute's silence or a stare down?

[Stargazer]

Yep, that's always a red card. He fell on his neck. Commentators say for the rest of the game. They don't do 20-minute reds cards in these games?

[Stargazer]

Commentators correct themselves: the red-carded player can be replaced after 20 minutes.

[Stargazer]

NZ only scored one penalty goal during that red card.

[Stargazer]

That's a heck of a kick from the Aussie fullback.

3 - 3

[Stargazer]

Ahhhh, that attack looked so promising.

[Bovidae]

Some shocking passes being thrown by NZ and too much inaccuracy like getting bundled into touch.

Problems at LH.

[Dolamite]

One of the worst halves of rugby I’ve seen and you can’t even blame the conditions

[Stargazer]

Simpson is a good stepper but a terrible passer.

[Stargazer]

Finally.