2023 Super Rugby U20s

[Bovidae]

@SouthernMann said in 2023 Super Rugby U20s:

Interestingly the only Dunedin based player who made the NZ School last year was Dylan Pledger, yet he isn't in this squad

He is a halfback, and small (for a halfback). The other halfback in that team isn't in the Chiefs squad either.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae said in 2023 Super Rugby U20s:

@Steven-Harris And Clarke and Jackson are similar in height to the locks. Cook is a tall lock also injured.

The NZ U20s will need some size and height in their locks when you look at the 6N U20 teams like Ireland, France and England. Cahill will be one of the locks but the other positions are open.

I reckon Tom Allen, who was also good for NZ Schools, has a good chance.

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer said in 2023 Super Rugby U20s:

@Bovidae said in 2023 Super Rugby U20s:

@Steven-Harris And Clarke and Jackson are similar in height to the locks. Cook is a tall lock also injured.

The NZ U20s will need some size and height in their locks when you look at the 6N U20 teams like Ireland, France and England. Cahill will be one of the locks but the other positions are open.

I reckon Tom Allen, who was also good for NZ Schools, has a good chance.

Not if he fumbles the lineout throws like in this game. I expect the NZ U19 locks will have a better chance for the U20s.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae I'll have to watch the 1st half again, because I didn't see that.

[Steven Harris]

Commentator calling the Baba’s no 7 Barker who has been packing down a No 8
That’s definitely Wil Bason normally a 7 plays for Varsity in Auckland
Xavier Saifoloi is a beast

[Stargazer]

@Steven-Harris Match thread:

https://www.forum.thesilverfern.com/topic/5882/crusaders-u20-v-nz-barbarians-u21

[Grooter]

only been watching the last couple mins but have already seen the much hyped Ajay Faleafaga hit a 50 metre penalty and make a try saving tackle and win a turnover right at the end

[Steven Harris]

@FakatavaAllBlack he managed the last 20 minutes brilliantly,Knocked over a sideline conversion and then the 50 metre penalty
Like most very good players has time

[SouthernMann]

He just looked one of the best players on the field. A really good performance.

[Bovidae]

The teams that did well today had some class at 9 and 10. The NZ U20s will have 3 good 1st 5s (Godfrey, Faleafaga and Kemara) to choose from. Maybe they take all of them.

[Stargazer]

So Tribe is keeping the scores of this tournament. Just don't trust the names of the scorers!

[Stargazer]

This was the Chiefs U20 line-up for today's game. When I first saw this, I thought it was the full squad list.

[Kiwidom]

@Bovidae Aho did pre season with the highlanders and I think picked up an injury

Of last year's nz under 19s, I don't see Torian Barnes in any of the squads either. Is he injured ?

[Bovidae]

@Kiwidom Barnes was replaced in the NZ 19s too, so maybe a serious injury. Toby Taylor was on the sidelines with the Chiefs team today, but he is injured too.

[Tim]

Baby Blues win their first game of the u20 tournament in Taupō 🔥

Blues 51 - 7 Fijian Drua

[SouthernMann]

@Bovidae said in 2023 Super Rugby U20s:

Where is Ale Aho, who was one of the NZ U19 locks from Auckland?

The good thing is that 3 of 4 the locks in the 2022 NZ Schools team were tall and had some size at that age. Liam Jack was a beanpole, like Hannah.

Found Ale Aho. He is a member of the Otago Academy. https://www.orfu.co.nz/HIGH-PERFORMANCE/otago-academy

[Bovidae]

Today's games:

11.05 AM: Fijian Drua v Crusaders
12.55 PM: Moana Pasifika v Chiefs
2.45 PM: Blues v NZ Barbarians
4.35 PM: Hurricanes v Highlanders

[Stargazer]

[Stargazer]

[chimoaus]

Quickly watched the highlights and the Hurricanes 8 was very impressive, kind of reminded me of David Pocock with his build. Also, the Blues 15 was electric, so much gas and always putting others into space.