SR U20s 2025
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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 Taupō 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.
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@SouthernMann Did you ever see a score for their game against the Otago XV?
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Yeah. They lost 31 - 19. Read like Scott Eade wanted them playing against some big strong men. His comments were that he wanted them beaten up a bit to prepare for a large Blues side. Mentioned how that game would have been the first time some of the players would have played open grade rugby.
Real mix of experience. From guys like Tengblad and Pledger who could probably equip themselves in Super Rugby. To players who haven't played senior club rugby yet.
This will be Josh Augistine's second run back, and first game starting since breaking his leg last year. Both him and Harvey will get time for Southland this year in the NPC.
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@SouthernMann said in SR U20s 2025:
Backline is looking sharp. Same with the front row.
Agree about the backline, not that sure about the front-row. The Highlanders U20s have had some real success in the scrum in recent years, especially last year with props like Moana Takataka and Liam McIntosh, but I don't think they'll be quite as dominant with Fisher and Jennings.
Looking at that pack as a whole, I do wonder where the dominant ball-carrying is going to come from. Lots of skillful players but maybe lacking in grunt and power somewhat? That Crusaders pack should present a good challenge and give some indications.
No chance of a livestream somewhere?
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@Mauss doesn't look like it will be streamed.
I see the first fives in the Crusaders side you've got the golden boy Harry Inch, Razor's son and Max Hore, son of Charlie. Hore must have decided to have gone to Lincoln to study ag.
Wirh the Landers pack. I wonder if they have been told to try and replicate the style the senior side plays. Be faster than your opposition pack and run them off the ground.
Quinten Holland is potentially the ball carrier we are missing. Not sure where he is at the moment. Tengblad may also be the carrier at this level.
As you've said in your write ups, Kempton is a smaller hooker. Primarily being very athletic. The props are talented. Just on the younger side.
Justin Shaw will still be quite small, having only turned himself into a forward a couple of years ago. He did turn a few heads for SBHS at eight though.
While Kyan Rangitutia didn't light the NPC up. Having already had a year of it under his belt should put him in a good place at this level. Especially playing against kids straight out of school.
Pledger should take a bit of pressure off Mika Muliaina. By managing the play making. Tayne Harvey will offer some experience alongside him as well.
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@Bovidae only thing i have seen its played today Beatham Park in Hamilton 1pm Tim Oliff is the referee
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@Steven-Harris Cheers. I might go along to watch.
Super Rugby U20
