2019 under 20's
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@Chris-B I can understand Wellington not having reps in the starting XV. The last few years, Hawke's Bay school teams have been kicking Wellington schools' asses in the Hurricanes competition. By the way, Billy Proctor wasn't released by the Hurricanes. The large number of Canterbury and Bay of Plenty players can probably be explained by the U19s tournament last year, which BoP won and Canterbury were runners-up.
Another thing I've noticed is that a few of the boys that were selected for the NZ Schools teams from Auckland schools the last few years, are now listed as coming from other provinces. Examples: Rivez Reihana (St Kent's - now Waikato), Chay Fihaki (Sacred Heart - Canterbury), Isaiah Punivai (St Kent's - Canterbury) etc. These players have returned to their home provinces. Auckland schools' poaching doesn't help Auckland rugby being represented in NZ U20s, it seems.
Haven't watched the game yet, so not commenting on the game, except for THAT IS A SHIT RESULT!!
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@Stargazer That's why I'm glad the Auckland schools took a stand against St Kents and to a lesser extent Kings as we weren't even seeing a lot of these kids come through the Auckland system. Hopefully more kids stay with their schools now instead of just coming up to Auckland to play rugby before returning to their provinces.
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@Higgins maybe some blame but this was about the best squad available to him without inj and Super players. Although I would say the skill level on attack has been as poor as I’ve seen from a NZ side ever, this is in all games. I wonder if game plan suits them. Also they were out-passioned by Aussies big time.
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@98blueandgold said in 2019 under 20's:
@Higgins maybe some blame but this was about the best squad available to him without inj and Super players. Although I would say the skill level on attack has been as poor as I’ve seen from a NZ side ever, this is in all games. I wonder if game plan suits them. Also they were out-passioned by Aussies big time.
As you know the small number of HB supporters on here have a lingering dislike for Mr. Philpott after his remarkable effort to get the Bay relegated twice in the space of a couple of seasons.
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@Stargazer Reihanas from Whangarei, Fihaki born n bred Aucklander
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@Nogusta Thanks, yes, I used the wrong examples. Reihana went to Huanui College before going to St Kent's. I was put on the wrong foot by the fact that he was in the Chiefs' U18 squad. Somehow that made me think he went to Hamilton Boys haha. Did you know that Chay Fihaki is the cousin of Albert Tuisue and Ben Volavola (Flying Fijians)?
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@African-Monkey yea it must grate Auckland and the Blues when players are brought to Auckland to play 1A, take a spot in the Blues 17s and 18s programmes, make NZ Schools/Baabaas then go back to their province or other ones. There may be others but Zarn Sullivan is the only one I can think of who has bucked the trend and stayed in Auckland.
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@Stargazer do players from Hawkes Bay even make Super Rugby level, let alone Under 20s?
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@Nogusta Yes that did suprise me him staying in Auckland (for now). He looks a good player from what I've seen. Nice left boot and a good running game. Not saying he'll get anywhere near the same level as the greatest 10 we've ever had but he plays a similar style to Dan Carter.
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@African-Monkey he's been a standout in the Auckland club comp for College Rifles. He may end up taking over the starting 10 spot in the M10 side.
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@Canes4life Not sure who you are referring to, but I was referring to Bailyn Sullivan, who plays for the Chiefs.
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Looks like all squads have been chosen
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Still not impressed with the pack! Need to perform a hell of a lot better
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No Toala
