2017 New Zealand U20s

[Stargazer]

Another try to the French in the corner. Going to the bench has worked for them. Arrate converts really well: 36-14 NZ after 53 minutes.

[Stargazer]

Lindenmuth > Fidow

[Stargazer]

Try France. Baby Blacks seem to have switched off already. Not good.

36-19 to NZ after 64 minutes.

[Stargazer]

Great attack from the French, resulting in a try to their right wing: 36-24. The French bench has had a real impact, but NZ defence inadequate there.

The try has been converted: 36-26 to NZ with 10 minutes to go. Baby Blacks need to play better.

[Stargazer]

Penalty goal Falcon, who has kicked 6 from 7 tonight.

NZ 39-26 France with 3 minutes to go.

[Stargazer]

The French left winger is playing really well this half. Where was he in the first?

[Stargazer]

Full time: NZ 39 - 26 France

NZ will play England in the Final!

[mimic]

Tian must be cursed whenever I watch his games..
Every time I watch him play he looks poor.. good kicking though

[Stargazer]

@mimic What are you talking about? He had a very good game! He dropped one ball and got held up in a maul, but that was it. Excellent ball distribution, passing and kicks in play, and a great boot. Also scored a try.

[Bovidae]

I think the 2nd half struggles will be a good thing preparing for the final.

NZ need to work on discipline and defending mauls/lineout drives.

[mimic]

I missed the whole first half..
In the little bits I watched he knocked the ball on twice (got called once), and he got held up, and then he slipped when going for a run.. but like I said, every time I tune in to watch he always makes an error.. maybe I shouldn't watch the final

His goal kicking and kicking for touch was great

[Stargazer]

@mimic Sounds like you only saw the errors and didn't see the good stuff. He had a good game with just those few errors. Hardly a reason to say he didn't play well.

[Billy Tell]

Anyone got highlights?

[Stargazer]

@Billy-Tell

Highlights:

[KiwiMurph]

That behind-the-back ball from Falcon was sensational.

[Chris B.]

That hooker, Aumua, looks a real prospect.

Sort of guy who could get Wellington out of the Second Division!

[Rapido]

Sounds like a Twickenham 99 come back from the French!

I watched about the first 25 mins during my breakfast: France were a shambles at that stage.

Glad NZ were put under pressure. Flakiness can provide good learning experiences.

[Billy Tell]

Speaking of Wayne Barnes, that first NZ try was off a fairly clear forward pass.

And what was Carlos Spencer doing playing for the U20s. Haven't seen that sort of cheeky pass in a while.

Some nice French tries in the 2nd 40.

[Mokey]

I was delighted to see the Baby Blacks made the final, after the nonsense after the haka at the start (good on the ref for keeping his cool while they were wasting time staring at each other) Excellent first half, that first try with that flick pass was great. Troubling in the second half though, when you are up 36-0, you should be burying the body.

[Margin_Walker]

Sets up an interesting final, with Eng U20s sneaking past SA in the other semi. England have probably over performed this year given the players unavailable. Also not a vintage year for the tight 5, so would expect NZ to have too much in the final, but you never know.

Number 8 Zach Mercer (son of Kiwi RL player Gary) and FH Max Mailins the pick of the England players likely to be involved.