@SouthernMann said in SR U20s 2025:
Former Southland boys Justin Shaw is likely to be the U20s no8, and probably still needs some time in the gym. Konrad Toleafoa was the dominant eight in club rugby in Dunedin, however has been stuck behind Lio-Willie and Stodart for provincial opportunities.
Out of the group of named acadamey players on the website. None would be thought of as primary ball carriers. The young Rutledge is a small seven. Couple of the hookers have grunt.
I watched a bit of Gregor Rutledge for the Barbarian U18s where he played at blindside. Industrious but, like you say, does not appear to be a big body. Shaun Kempton, one of the hookers, is a really smooth player (he should appear in my U20 front row preview). Good hands and a great understanding of space. But not really someone for the constant carries up the middle.
Max Ratcliffe might be the closest to that primary ball carrier within the Highlanders' high performance programme, he's very solid in contact. But perhaps not quite at the level of those more 'elite' up-and-coming carriers, like Malachi Wrampling, Mosese Bason, and Fletcher Anderson (and perhaps Patrick Tuifua, if he sticks around).
