Barbarians U21 v Crusaders U20

[Stargazer]

[Stargazer]

It's very windy in Taupo, which will no doubt affect kicking and line-out throwing.

[Stargazer]

Sloppy game thus far, from both teams.

[Stargazer]

The commentators just mentioned that "Tom Donnelly would be selecting the players from these games for the NZ U20s games later in the year". So Tom Donnelly is the new NZ U20 coach? Hadn't heard that before. Or did I just totally mis-hear that?

[Tim]

@Stargazer There was an article in Stuff a few days ago about it.

A rather underwhelming coach for a national team!

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/128694871/otagos-tom-donnelly-gets-plum-nz-under20s-job-as-highlanders-unearth-new-damian-mckenzie

[Stargazer]

@Tim That's very disappointing.

[Stargazer]

Crusaders U20 setpiece is better, especially the scrum.
Generally, the Crusaders a bit better, but there are just too many mistakes in this game, from both sides.

Still no score.

[Stargazer]

Trying to work and watch the game at the same time isn't really working.

Barbarians have scored an unconverted try. It was their TH prop Ahio.

George Bell looked to score for the Crusaders but there was a forward pass in the lead-up to the try.

Barbarians u21 5 - 0 Crusaders U20

[Bovidae]

Donnelly was one of Matson's assistant coaches last year so they've just promoted within.

[Stargazer]

In this first half, the Crusaders U20 were playing into the wind. We'll see in the second half how much that affected their game. Having a strong wind in the back should be an advantage for the second half. The Barbarians are bringing it to them though.

Right before half time, George Bell scored an unconverted try in the corner.

HT: Barbarians U21 5 - 5 Crusaders U20

[Stargazer]

Beautiful team try scored by Nikora Broughton (Barbarians). That attack started with Blair Murray.

Crusaders U20's defence too passive.

Not converted.

Barbarians U21 10 - 5 Crusaders U20

[Stargazer]

It's weird, the Crusaders U20 team looks the better team; it's mostly handling errors that are letting them down.

[Stargazer]

That was a beautiful try to Fletcher Anderson. Really good.

Try not converted (no surprise).

Barbarians U21 10 - 10 Crusaders U20

[Stargazer]

Jone Rova is a promising player. He was also the player that started the attack that lead to Anderson's try.

[Stargazer]

I think the ref missed a knock-on by the Barbarians. George Methven dives over not long after. Josh Jacomb converts.

Barbarians U21 17 - 10 Crusaders U20

[Stargazer]

The Crusaders U20 scrum is very good.

[Stargazer]

Excellent try to Jack Parker for the Crusaders U20. Try assist from Jone Rova.

Parker misses the conversion

Barbarians U21 17 - 15 Crusaders U20

[Stargazer]

Geez, that Crusaders U20 scrum is something!

[Stargazer]

Gutsy win from the Barbarians. Defence wins games!

Barbarians U21 17 - 15 Crusaders U20