The Silver Fern

Set pieces are a concern for the AB U20 with hookers not capable of throwing correctly and beanpole locks who can't scrum.

Be hard for those just out of school to make it i would think. Theres too many who are playing NPC or Premier level already and doing so very well.

What positions in the 20s are up for grabs?

Forwards werent too flash last year so i would expect some change there. Bason will likely captain and played very well for the Hurricanes. Front row looks solid with good depth. Second row could be a push with some solid starters but i worry about who is in behind them. Loose trio will be fine.

For me the backs look likely to change a little.

At halfback, Pledger and maybe Tamati would be my two must haves. 1st 5 will be Simpson buylt after him is a toss up. I dont like the defensive qualities of any 10s i watched in Taupo. Very average to say the least.

Midfield will be stacked, especially with Tito Harris back. One of those Canterbury lads or Oconnor perhaps to partner him?

Solomon will play fullback. Hes got a great allround game. Wings is a toss up between a number of quality players, including the fijian boys from canterbury, chiefs have solid wings, denyer from hurricanes and the otago young guy who has already played NPC.

@Mauss On Andrew Smith, he is a 6/lock. I am hoping he gets some time in NPC this year.

That was a crazy scoreline.

England win the tournament. A really powerful forward pack. I could see Steve Borthwick fast-forwarding the U20 props into the full national team.

@Crazy-Horse said in NZ U20 v France U20:

@Landers92 said in NZ U20 v France U20:

@SouthernMann said in NZ U20 v France U20:

I am looking forward to Dylan Pledger being our Highlanders and Otago halfback. So much talent. I know he's only in his first year out of school, I just hope he can get some gametime in the blue and gold this year.

Couldn’t agree more mate. What an absolute talent. I know it’s u20s so a bit different but jeez he looks a lot more composed and talented than Arscott and Hastie already.

Don't count your chickens. The Saders will be after another 9 soon, if they aren't already.

Foctunately, they have the no2 halfback in the U20s, Ben O'Donovan. That should be sufficient to back up Hotham. Otago and the Highlanders just need to work hard on telling Pledger the story about his future in the region. Which should be long and very sucessful.

@tubbyj said in NZ U20 v Wales U20:

The Vice captain 2nd five Xavi Taele looks to be some player ready for the step up to Super Rugby next season already.

He looked a cut above out there didn't he?

This is the inaugural SR U20s, so the previous is moot.

Fuck we're shit. Nathan Grey is a shit coach and these guys are the product of a shit system. Georgia smashed us for nearly 60 minutes

Very good skills in diabolical conditions

Winger will rue showboating for his try. Could easily have gone at least 5m closer to the sticks.

Highlanders 73-10

They're into the 5th/6th payoff

I would think Gibbes will select a squad for the RC and then another for the WC. I'll be interested to see if the three NZ sevens players (Vai, Spencer, Tito-Harris) are involved in the latter.