2023 Super Rugby U20s

[Bovidae]

So the final placings were:

1st Blues
2nd Hurricanes
3rd Highlanders
4th NZ Barbarians
5th Chiefs
6th Crusaders
7th Fijian Drua
8th Moana Pasifika

[Kiwidom]

@Stargazer So who will be the props and locks for the NZ u20s . Anyone stand out ?

From the little I saw I think we will be ok in most positions,but might struggle in the tight five against Wales and France in our pool

[Bovidae]

Look to last year's NZ U19s for that answer.

I would expect the props to include Toby Taylor (who didn't play in Taupō), Siale Lauaki, Gabe Robinson, and perhaps the Blues LH, if there is a newbie. Hookers to be Jack Taylor and Raymond Tuputupu.

The top locks could be Tahlor Cahill and Hunter Morrison. Fiti Sa gives you a 2 m+ lock.

Andrew Smith and Rory Woods aren't that tall to play as genuine locks.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Yeah, I think that's about right. There's talent among the younger players (first year out of school), like Gus Brown, but they'll probably have to wait until next year (or play for NZ U19 if they get a tour again, this year).

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer What was the deal with Matt Monaghan? He didn't play a lot from what I saw. Injured?

The big question will be if eligible players involved in SR squads will be released for the NZ U20s. There shouldn't be too much of an overlap.

If NZ can't beat Wales (5th in the 6N) we don't deserve to go any further. Aust have Ireland and England in their pool. Good luck with that!

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae I don't know about Monaghan, but Morrison has a NDC (training with the senior Canes) and Allen is probably seen as a bigger talent.

Yeah, will be interesting to see if SRP players will be released. A few years ago, Jordie wasn't. Caleb Clarke may have been in the same boat, but I'm not sure about that.

I assume there will first be an Oceania U20 Championship?

[cgrant]

@Bovidae
Ruben Palmer is not very tall but he is beefy. He could be useful against the very big French forwards. The latter have a very strong axis on the right side of the scrum with Allane (THP, 135 kg) and Tuilagi (lock, 145 kg).

[NateHill74]

@Bovidae Keeping it going from that, Dylan is year 13 this year, He's a Half Back and First Five. Mainly 10 for King's HS if that helps

[Bovidae]

@NateHill74 Thanks for the info. Quite unusual that both NZ Schools halfbacks were Y12, and no Y13 was considered good enough.

[Bovidae]

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