SR U20s 2025
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@Mauss super interesting and makes a ton of sense. The game and game plans are evolving and whilst its harder to find a Savea, Clark or someone of that ilk, it may not be nessessary or a requirement anymore to always have that power winger.
If you dont mind me asking Mauss, what do you do?
You sound like a coach or tech advisor for a team. Id put money on it.
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There hasn't been a lot of continuity in the NZ U20 coaching group in recent years compared to those early days. That hasn't helped if the systems change from one year to the next. While Jono Gibbes won't be involved in 2025 hopefully Brad Cooper is still there.
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@Left-Right-Out-0 said in SR U20s 2025:
If you dont mind me asking Mauss, what do you do?
No worries. Nothing in rugby, I can tell you that
. Just enjoy watching and writing about the game. -
@Bovidae said in SR U20s 2025:
While Jono Gibbes won't be involved in 2025 hopefully Brad Cooper is still there.
There's been a lot less communication about the coaching group and even player camps this year, I feel. It'd be great for Cooper and Hoeata to continue in their roles, I thought both the attack and the forwards went quite well last year.
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Is there a NZ U20 squad being selected from this U20 super comp?
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@Bovidae canterbury were great to watch. That pack and with the young 10 pulling the strings, no doubt favourites for the comp in a couple weeks time.
To be honest, that video doesnt quite show just how dominant their forwards were. Some poor tackling by Wellington in their pack and at 1st 5 made for a long day. Outside backs look the goods though.
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@Bovidae Some interesting things to note from the Crusaders U20s, even from those short highlights. That looks to be Finn McLeod who was playing at number eight, who is usually a lock/6. 8 might suit him though, watching him during the Global Youth Sevens it was apparent that he has a great skillset. It might be just a temporary switch – I didn’t see Saumaki Saumaki anywhere, who might be expected to play there – but I do think McLeod has the potential to make a very complete 8.
Another position shift looks to be James Cameron moving to inside centre. He did play some games at 12 for Westlake Boys I think, but he typically played at 13. Could be an interesting move, as I can’t really recall any clear stand-out candidates at 12 for the NZ U20s. His combination with both Inch at 10 and Cooper Roberts at 13 could be a very solid midfield-axis.
Also good to see some dominance at the scrum from Tonga Helu and Sione Mafi, as both have struggled there in the past. The only caveat is that I don’t think the Hurricanes U20 scrum is particularly good, so it’ll be interesting to see whether they are as dominant against the other teams.
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There was also a short report on the match. Yes, it was McLeod at no.8 and Cameron at 2nd 5.
The other players mentioned were:
11 Maletino Koladou
14 Isaac Murray-Macgregor (was a fullback at WBHS and for the NZS)
6 Xavier TreacyOudenryn was the hooker. They will have a strong team.
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Blues u20 training squad for 2025
The final squad to play in TaupĹŤ will be named in a couple of weeks
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@Daffy-Jaffy isnt the tourny in 1.5 weeks?
Surely teams are named this coming week
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@Left-Right-Out-0 I was not aware of dates, I Just reported what the post said - maybe it is a typo?
"Introducing your Blues u20 training squad for 2025
Look out for the final squad to play in Taupō which will be named in a couple of weeks 🤝" -
Does anyone know if this is an accurate timetable for the tournament?
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@Left-Right-Out-0 Yes. I posted that schedule in this thread, as it had replaced the 2024 schedule which was on the website.
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@Left-Right-Out-0 said in SR U20s 2025:
Just seen a Hurricanes post saying they have the Chiefs this coming weekend, even though they played them last?
It appears they aren't playing each other.
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Some of the comms from the different franchises and club rugby are hard to follow or contradict one another.
Thanks for the update!
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Highlanders side to play Crusaders in Timaru. Absent players are Quinten Holland, and the Australian Zac Nichol (if I am right about him being over in NZ). Backline is looking sharp. Same with the front row. No surprise who the captains are.
Super Rugby U20
