2017 New Zealand U20s

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer I only watched bits of the Fiji game, so wondering how Tua went at 13 as I see he gets another start so hopefully means he did well enough to retain the spot.

[Stargazer]

@taniwharugby I honestly can't remember much of his game because Leger stole the limelight at 12 and was outstanding. I'm not sure whether selection for tomorrow's game means that a player "did well enough to retain the spot". In the media release, the coach says

The game is also the last opportunity for players to impress selectors prior to the naming of the squad for the World Rugby Under 20 World Championship in Georgia next week. 

“After two solid performances against Fiji and Samoa, we have selected a side to play Australia that in some cases is based on form, and in others on giving those returning from injury a final opportunity to press their claim for selection. 

Of course, injury of other players plays a role in selection as well, and in this case, his main competitor (Ennor) is injured. But obviously, that doesn't mean Tua wouldn't have gotten the start if Ennor had been available, nor does it mean he didn't play well v Fiji.

[cgrant]

Not to see Caleb Clarke in the starting XV is a big surprise for me. He was really impressive against Samoa.

[Stargazer]

Livestream here on YouTube:

[Stockcar86]

Bullshit penalty to Aus. NZ flanker used his foot in the scrum to push the ball back, and the ref said he used his hand

[Stargazer]

Other streams:

AAP  /  May 6, 2017

Australia U20s fall to red hot Kiwis

[Stargazer]

One change in the line-up on the AB website: Mikaele-Tu'u has been added to the injury list and Adrian Choat takes his place on the bench.

[Stargazer]

Luke Jacobson picks up the ball at the back of the scrum and dives over for the first try. Tiaan Falcon converts the try: 7-3 NZ

[Stargazer]

Penalty goal Tiaan Falcon: 10-3 NZ

[Stargazer]

Damn, Falcon is good; delivering some great passes there. Enari, too.

Try Walker-Leawere. Falcon converts again: 17-3 NZ

[Stargazer]

Great try scored by Will Jordan after slicing through the Aussie defence like a knife through butter. Falcon with another perfect conversion: 24-6.

[Stockcar86]

This team looks well coached. It can't be Philpott. Who are the assistant coaches?

[Stargazer]

It's going fast now, with Tamati Tua scoring in the corner. Falcon has a rare miss.
29-6 NZ

[Stargazer]

@Stockcar86 said in 2017 New Zealand U20s:

This team looks well coached. It can't be Philpott. Who are the assistant coaches?

Willie Rickards (Taranaki assistant coach) and Cory Brown (Otago head coach)

[Stargazer]

Half time: 29 - 6 NZ

I like how this team is going. Not too many errors, good decision making, some strong boys in that forward pack, outside backs being pests for the opposition (esp. 14 and 15), good kicking and leadership from the 10, a quick 9.

[Stargazer]

Another try to NZ. Ref initially called a NZ knock-on but ass ref said it wasn't. No camera angle from that side, so there's no way of knowing what happened. Couldn't see it.

Falcon converts: 36- 6 NZ.

[Stockcar86]

Falcon can tackle like his dad...

[Stargazer]

@Stockcar86 What do you reckon. If Otere Black leaves the Canes, a contract for Falcon?

[Stockcar86]

Rakete-Stones looks like a young Clint Newlands

[NTA]

@NTA said in 2017 New Zealand U20s:

@cgrant won't matter. NZ to win by at least 50. Aussies will be lucky to score a try.

Still good for this one NTA!