2018 New Zealand U20s
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So Australia don't make the top 4/semis. It's a tough tournament when there are only 3 groups of 4.
In fact this year might be the tightest ever, with Georgia being good only Japan seem out of their depth. Although I see Japan only got pipped by 1 point by Wales today.
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@rapido Yeah, Japan only just got promoted to the main tournament after winning the 2017 U20s Trophy. It looks like they may drop straight back to the Trophy tournament, although also Scotland isn't safe yet. It will be interesting to see how Samoa does in the Trophy after being relegated last year.
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I didn't particularly enjoy the game this morning. A lot of mistakes in the commentary. NZ did not seem to have much flow in their play today, missing too many first-stringers. Flanders was very good though, as was Plummer. Several costly errors by Hockings for Australia. I was mystified by some decisions, including yellow card for Christie, and off the ball play ignored.
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Link to full NZ v AUS match on TVNZ on Demand; https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/world-rugby-u20-championship/episodes/s2018-e5
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Only just noticed this: after the last minute replacement of Bailyn Sullivan by Jamie Spowart, they named Will Tremain on the bench in the 23 jersey. I guess they had run out of backs, with Punivai probably still on his way to France, Tele'a suspended and Faingaanuku injured? Tremain didn't come on the field; Christie's yellow may have had something to do with that.
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@stargazer said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:
@rapido Yeah, Japan only just got promoted to the main tournament after winning the 2017 U20s Trophy. It looks like they may drop straight back to the Trophy tournament, although also Scotland isn't safe yet. It will be interesting to see how Samoa does in the Trophy after being relegated last year.
They put up a very good performance yesterday. Wales were (IMO) favored by the referee at the breakdown which made the difference in the end.
The Japanese best players were their scrum half, Nr.8 and right wing. But they all played with a great heart. Surely they deserved to win this. -
I hope Sullivan is fit for the SF because we lacked any penetration in the midfield without Tele’a. If not, I'd seriously think of putting Koroi at 12 because the more he has the ball in his hands the better.
Plummer's kicking was a mixed bag. Goalkicking was outstanding but his general play kicking was average.
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@bovidae said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:
I hope Sullivan is fit for the SF because we lacked any penetration in the midfield without Tele’a. If not, I'd seriously think of putting Koroi at 12 because the more he has the ball in his hands the better.
Plummer's kicking was a mixed bag. Goalkicking was outstanding but his general play kicking was average.
In oceanic tournament Plummer played 12 so maybe that’s a option and Trask at 10
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I have the same views on it. Plummer's kicking from hand was average to poor, and this helped the Aussies to maintain the pressure on the boys in black.
Fa'ingaanuku is a big loss since he was the main attacking threat of the team. Clarke was good but miles away from last year's performances. -
France U20 looked vulnerable to SA’s brute strength but I reckon they can beat our U20s. Should be a cracking game.
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Team named on World Rugby website:
LineupsNumia Thomas Mafile'o McWhannell Tucker Riedlinger-Kapa (C) Christie Flanders Roe Plummer Clarke Gregory Proctor Sullivan KoroiSubstitutes
Jackson Asi Uluilakepa Tremain Sotutu Renton Trask SpowartThis gives NZ an extremely potent bench. Bit surprised with the starting choices for front row, 6, 10 and 12 though.
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More info:
Rob Cobb (ankle) has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament and has been replaced by Waikato’s Ollie Norris. Ngane Punivai and Quinn Tupaea have also joined the team as injury replacements.
Coach Craig Philpott has named a relatively unchanged line up with Xavier Numia replacing the injured Rob Cobb, while Will Tucker and Xavier Roe are promoted from the bench.
“Will Tucker comes in at lock and gives us a bit of extra height, we’ve been impressed with his performances in the first two games and he came off the bench against Australia and added good impact.
“There was a real headache at nine, because we have two players who are both in really good form. But for this game against France, with the style of rugby we want to play, we think Xavier (Roe) is our best suited halfback,” said Philpott.
