New Zealand under 20
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Something really needs to be done about surnames containing both apostrophes and hyphens.
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Blake Barrett is the other brother<br><br><br>
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<p>Could be a few Umagas knocking about in a few years. Mike's kid Jacob is currently turning out for England U18s.</p>
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<p>Good for Counties to get both a halfback and 1st 5 in the team. Been a while since they've had a half in a grade team.</p>
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<p>I thought Papali'i wouldn't make it this year, but then this year had a weaker backrow class than last year. He probably has a good chance to make the final squad because of his versatility(covers 6, 7, 8 and lock).</p>
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<p>That's a good hooker tandem in there with Apisai and Aumua. The Blues should try to get Aumua, because it looks a bit crowded at hooker down in Wellington. Of the young hookers I've seen, he has the most upside.</p> -
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<p>Good for Counties to get both a halfback and 1st 5 in the team. Been a while since they've had a half in a grade team.</p>
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<p>I thought Papali'i wouldn't make it this year, but then this year had a weaker backrow class than last year. He probably has a good chance to make the final squad because of his versatility(covers 6, 7, 8 and lock).</p>
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<p>That's a good hooker tandem in there with Apisai and Aumua. The Blues should try to get Aumua, because it looks a bit crowded at hooker down in Wellington. Of the young hookers I've seen, he has the most upside.</p>
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<p>Yep, from the looks of things Aumua is pretty electric with his running. It'd be a shame if he never got any game time. He is one of several players who are still eligible next year (along with Papali'i, Rakete-Stones, Fidow, Mikaele-Tu'u, Luke Jacobson - are there any others?)</p> -
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<p>Good for Counties to get both a halfback and 1st 5 in the team. Been a while since they've had a half in a grade team.</p>
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<p>Yes, great news. Probably first in the 9 or 10 since some bloke called Beaver.</p>
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<p>Some future promise for CM there especially if the young Samoa 9 hangs around as well. I gather that those in the know around Chiefs area have had wraps on Leger for sometime. HBHS 10, Chiefs U18s and good genetics (used to love watching his father play).</p> -
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I see Jordan Trainor is going around again. Will he play wing or fullback?
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<p>The Oceania U20 Tournament this year is just two matches against Australia.</p>
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<p>Last year it was a four-way round robin also with Japan and Samoa </p> -
<p>Oh well. It is still better than the no matches we used to have. I think a proper 5/6 game tournament would probably be ideal, though (it would help to match what the NH teams get, and mean the starting lineup can begin to gel while players can also be rotated in and out).</p>
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<p><strong>The Oceania U20 Tournament this year is just two matches against Australia.</strong></p>
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<p>Last year it was a four-way round robin also with Japan and Samoa </p>
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<p>how is that a tournament? lol</p> -
<p>How does this side compare with previous 20s side??? Forwards look a little weak.</p>
<p>It will be hard to top the 2011 squad who had 12 players graduate to the All Blacks.</p>
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<p>There is a lot of talent in this team with Fidow, Kean, Apisai, Walker-Leawere, Mikaele Tuu, Aumua, Umaga Jensen, Nock, Va'a, Lowe, Tuitama, Trainor likely to pursue Super Rugby careers.</p>
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<p>Our best starting team from the Oceania Squad would probably be: (Help me fill in the gaps)</p>
<p>1. Mason Kean</p>
<p>2. Leni Apisai</p>
<p>3. Alex Fidow</p>
<p>4. Isaia Walker-Leawere</p>
<p>5. ??</p>
<p>6. Luke Jacobson ??</p>
<p>7. Mitchell Jacobson (However im not too familiar with the other loosies)</p>
<p>8. Marino Makaele Tuu</p>
<p>9. Sam Nock</p>
<p>10. TJ Va'a</p>
<p>11. Jonah Lowe</p>
<p>12. Patelesio Tomkinson</p>
<p>13. Peter Umaga Jensen</p>
<p>14. Malo Tuitama</p>
<p>15. Jordan Trainor</p>
<p>Reserves: </p>
<p>16. Asafo Aumua</p>
<p>17. Ayden Johnstone</p>
<p>18. Shaun Stodart</p>
<p>19. ??</p>
<p>20. ??</p>
<p>21. Jonothan Taumateine </p>
<p>22. Jordie Barrett</p>
<p>23. Mason Emerson</p> -
<p>I'd say that Dalzell will likely start at lock, and I'd personally pick Moala-Liava'a at blindside. He did very well carrying the ball for North Harbour in the ITM Cup. Hoeata probably isn't a bad lock/blindside option off the bench, and Papali'i or Jacobson can then cover openside.</p>
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<p>That backline is probably pretty accurate. I'd go for Emerson over Lowe. I think Perofeta sounds like he is pretty good, so it'd be nice to fit him in somewhere, but it isn't looking easy.</p> -
<p>In comparison to other sides, I think there is a lot of talent there (probably more than than 2012-13 sides). However, a lot of them are a year younger (our team for next year should dominate, in my opinion) so there might still be a way to go, particularly in the forwards.</p>
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<p>It is hard to tell how we are going to do without having some gauge to go off of. If our forwards can get good ball then I think we can be reasonably confident that the backline (with Stevenson to come in) can run rings around most defenses. However, getting good ball is never guaranteed. Given the extra emphasis that has been put on making sure players are big and strong, I'd say that we should be able to hold our own against most packs, but that is really guessing.</p>
