2018 New Zealand U20s
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I wish Farrell wasn't inj. He was top prospect. Maybe Suafoa will be available by then, he is a solid lock.
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@98blueandgold Yes, Farrell has been so unlucky with injuries. He looked so good in the first game of last year's JWC. Then that injury happened and he went home, and we all thought: "he'll be back next year'. And now he will miss this year's tournament, too. I feel sorry for him, and it's not good for the team either.
I can't remember ever seeing Suafoa play.
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@stargazer from memory he is a big powerful lock. Maybe Vaai, he was in the training squad but has only turned 18 do might be a bit green.
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New Zealand U20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship:
Forwards:
John Akau'ola-Laula - Auckland
Sione Asi - Manawatu
Tom Christie (Captain) - Canterbury
Rob Cobb - Auckland
Devan Flanders - Hawkes Bay
Tom Florence - Taranaki
Ricky Jackson - Otago
Tevita Mafileo - Bay of Plenty
Laghlan McWhannell - Waikato
Xavier Numia - Wellington
Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa - Auckland
Hoskins Sotutu - Auckland
Flynn Thomas - Southland
Will Tremain - Hawkes Bay
Will Tucker - Canterbury
Kaliopasi Uluilakepa - WellingtonBacks:
Caleb Clarke - Auckland
Leicester Faingaanuku - Ta$man
Scott Gregory - Northland
Vilimoni Koroi - Otago
Harry Plummer - Auckland
Billy Proctor - Wellington
Jay Renton - Southland
Xavier Roe - Waikato
Jamie Spowart - Ta$man
Bailyn Sullivan - Waikato
Tanielu Tele'a -Auckland
Kaleb Trask - Bay of PlentyPlayers not considered due to injury
Tim Farrell - Hawke's Bay
Brayden Iose - Manawatu
Will Jordan - Ta$man
Bradley Slater - Taranaki
Cameron Suafoa - AucklandCaptain Tom Christie and Blues winger Caleb Clarke return from the champion 2017 team, while at the other end of the scale there are eight players that will be eligible for selection again next year. Experience also comes in the form of 12 players who have played at Mitre 10 Cup level and 27 of the 28 players having been involved in an Oceania Championship campaign.“Laghlan McWhannell was the standout lock at Oceania and he is complimented by the two-metre duo of Will Tucker and John Akau’ola Laula. Our captain, Tom Christie, leads an exciting loose forward trio that have been absolutely tireless in their efforts on the field. “Vilimoni Koroi adds a point of difference in the back three alongside the genuine size and speed in the likes of Caleb Clarke and Leicester Faingaanuku, we are looking forward to seeing what they can create on the field.”Under 20 Highlights • Two returning players from 2017 (Tom Christie and Caleb Clarke) • Eight players are eligible again in 2019 (Rob Cobb, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Devan Flanders, Kaleb Trask, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Faingaanuku and Scott Gregory) • 12 players have already played Mitre 10 Cup • 12 of 14 Provincial Unions represented • Only Xavier Numia (returning from injury) didn’t play at Oceania (Caleb Clarke played at the 2017 tournament • The World Rugby Under 20 Championship has run since 2008, with New Zealand winning six of the 10 titles • New Zealand Players have won the Junior Player of the Year on three occasions, Luke Braid in 2008, Aaron Cruden in 2009 and Julian Savea in 2010New Zealand Under 20 schedule (matches will be broadcast live on TVNZ Duke)
New Zealand v Japan
Thursday 31 May
7am (NZT)New Zealand v Wales
Monday 4 June
2.30am (NZT)New Zealand v Australia
Friday 8 June
7am (NZT)http://www.allblacks.com/News/32392/new-zealand-under-20-squad-named-for-world-rugby-championship
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@bovidae said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:
Who has been dropped from the Oceania tournament? Price is one.
In addition to Price, these players have not returned (I may have missed one or two):
Suetena Asomua - Counties Manukau
Ciarahn Matoe - Taranaki
Ngane Punivai - Canterbury -
The squad is as predicted, still disappointing that Jordan has not recovered from concussion.
Numia back is good, he is solid prop.
Price for me was a big disappointment at the Oceania torny and happy to see Renton and Roe there who seemed more in control of game plan. Backs have dynamic all over them I just hope tight 5 can win ball and the weather in France plays ball. -
@98blueandgold The locks were the weakest link in the squad for the Oceania Champs. All made the team for the WR Championship. But both hookers, esp Ricky Jacson, and most loosies are very good; and some of the props aren't too bad either. Hopefully, our forward pack will be good enough this year.
Agree about Price.
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@cgrant said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:
Exciting backline. It should look like this :
Koroi
Faingaanuku
Proctor or Telea
Plummer
Clarke
Trask
RentonPretty spot on there except I think the coaches prefer Plummer at 10 than at 12. Tele'a at 12 and Proctor 13. Tele'a plays the crash/bully role in the midfield with Proctor the distributor. Trask on the bench to cover 10 and 15. Really impressed by Trask. Reminds me of Ben Smith a bit with his speed and skillset.
