New Zealand under 20

MiketheSnow

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="588407" data-time="1466014890">
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And it's all over. NZ beat Wales 18-17. Feeling sorry for Wales, they were better in the first half, but NZ was the best team in the 2nd half and only handling errors kept NZ from scoring more points. 
 
Now, having to wait for the results of the remaining games until we know whether NZ makes the semis.
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Yeah fair play. Composure was the difference.
 
If the results don't go NZ's way, will this be the first time they don't qualify for semis?

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NZ Rugby Quizzes" data-cid="588404" data-time="1466014818">
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Caught the last 20. That was not easy viewing at all.
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No, not a convincing performance at all. Hope they make the semis, but they really will have to lift their game if they do. Not sure whether this team can ...

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MiketheSnow" data-cid="588408" data-time="1466015037">
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Yeah fair play. Composure was the difference.
 
If the results don't go NZ's way, will this be the first time they don't qualify for semis?
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Yes, I think so.

leytonandamanda

This side looks poorly coached 
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Billy Tell

So far this tournament is turning into a 'mare for Robertson and his pending Crusaders interview.

Bovidae

Got out of jail there. NZ didn't cope with Wales' blitz defence, or the pressure at the breakdown.
 
Now they have to cheer for England and France.

Bovidae

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="588412" data-time="1466015772">
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So far this tournament is turning into a 'mare for Robertson and his pending Crusaders interview.
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He interviewed before leaving NZ but I agree, the performance of the U20s hasn't enhanced Robertson's coaching creds.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="588415" data-time="1466016154">
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He interviewed before leaving NZ but I agree, the performance of the U20s hasn't enhanced Robertson's coaching creds.
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It's not his first year as U20 coach and he's had success last year. He can blame it on his assistants, one of whom has also applied for the Crusaders gig. Just blame it on Philpott, who probably has been mostly responsible for the failing forward pack. 
 
On the other hand, let's not blame it on Philpott because many Magpies fans will be happy for him to get the Crusaders gig. :bye:

Billy Tell

Luckily Schmidt will rock up as Crusaders coach, and the Highlanders can enjoy their Hammett/Robertson/Philpott triumvirate.

leytonandamanda

Maybe last year his assistants were the making of Robertson and this year we are seeing what he is really like 
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Mofitzy

Could be that this is just a particularly poor side. Which might be a selection issue but with near 100% turnover there is bound to be significant fluctuations in quality over the years.

leytonandamanda

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Mofitzy" data-cid="588421" data-time="1466018974">Could be that this is just a particularly poor side. Which might be a selection issue but with near 100% turnover there is bound to be significant fluctuations in quality over the years.</blockquote>
Could be that yeah 
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Frye

Robertson was the forwards coach two years ago when the scrum and lineout was hopeless. At least it was just the scrum this time.
 
I'd say he more likely got lucky last year because of some incredible talent rather than vice versa.

Smithy_NZ

Need a French miracle in the last ten... otherwise we are out.

leytonandamanda

Nz are out as things stand at the moment with South Africa winning and bonus point 
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leytonandamanda

Deffinately out now with South Africa scoring another try 
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leytonandamanda

5 minutes left 
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canefan

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="588418" data-time="1466016849">Luckily Schmidt will rock up as Crusaders coach, and the Highlanders can enjoy their Hammett/Robertson/Philpott triumvirate.</blockquote>ugh

Derm McCrum

The rugby world just shifted slightly on its axis.

Canes4life

The only positive thing about us being bumbled out early is that I don't have to go through another 80 minutes watching garbage like that.
 
The skillset of that team was well below NZ standards. 
 
A few learnings from the competition:
 
Apisai shouldn't have been captain when his replacement Aumua is a far more rounded player.
 
Barrett, Mikaele Tu'u and Stevenson can hold their heads high. 
 
Our Scrum was shithouse.
 
We suck at playing in the rain, however that is no excuse.
 
Maybe a few players left out like Emerson and Umaga Jensen could have made the difference in what was a pretty ordinary backline.

The Silver Fern

New Zealand under 20