WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
But all within the same age range. It was best vs best and ours were better today.
U18 Academy Games and Australia U18s
- Thread starter bhim
- Start date
The Chairman
Arch Winning (36)
Someone sign Pritchard and Bloomfield right now. Unbelievable midfield combination
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
Is also part of the Eels system. So it will be a tough ask. This is where I wish there was some kind of U18s WC structure. Something to give these young guys a broader taste of what is out there in Rugby. Might at least keep them engaged in the game even if they sign for the NRL in the near future.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
don’t remember an Aus side like that skinning NZ in attack. Great to see and makes the next game on the weekend very interesting how they both react.
Yep, QLD Reds academy
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
9 a great runner and 10 a very quick release on the pass.
From the start Aus had a speed of play and hands NZ seemed stunned by. NZ 8 was very good.
Expect a bounce back from them.
Major Tom
Dick Tooth (41)
You’d like to pick both but Pritchard is the creative one that’s probably the hardest to develop. Reds have sighed Tai Taka who could easily do what Bloomfield did today. Still would be great to have access to everyone. Pritchard played a lot of flyhalf for churchie this year and it looks like it really helped his distribution today. Pretty good from the reds to have signed Mackay, Pritchard and Taka for that cohesion.
Mackay is very good, however i still reckon the one we really want at 10 is Risati who played on the wing today. He is still in Year 11 and is one of the best young 10s ive seen in many a year. Is in Eels system but if RA are going to invest some big coin in a junior, he's the one. Get him to do what Lemoto is doing. Go overseas, learn the game and develop a fully pro system, get more $$ and then come back after 3 years. Ready for Super rugby.
Adam84
Tim Horan (67)
Yeah until 2027
Adam84
Tim Horan (67)
Can certainly see why there was so much interest in Lemoto, very strong in contact and just refuses to go down, similar to Pritchard in the backs.
I also thought the entire tight 5 was quite good and set the platform for the backs, In particular Will Ross. He was busy and solid in contact for a giraffe, normally the tall lads struggle a bit for physicality at this age group but he did well.
I also thought the entire tight 5 was quite good and set the platform for the backs, In particular Will Ross. He was busy and solid in contact for a giraffe, normally the tall lads struggle a bit for physicality at this age group but he did well.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Very well put together side. Fonua at Lock has a great all round game.
Workhorse backrow, calm halves and both have great kicking games. Damaging centres and genuine speed in the back three.
Wonder what changes they make. I suspect a mostly unchanged side but might get more at HT. Would like to see Talaieva get a good stint at 6.
Workhorse backrow, calm halves and both have great kicking games. Damaging centres and genuine speed in the back three.
Wonder what changes they make. I suspect a mostly unchanged side but might get more at HT. Would like to see Talaieva get a good stint at 6.
Major Tom
Dick Tooth (41)
Lemoto’s cruising speed is pretty impressive. Basically a centre out there. With that I thought his link work was very good. Probably needs to work on his defense.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Intresting you say that. Scots have used him multiple times last year as a 12. He’s decent but good centres have that touch more speed that challenge him laterally which is fair being a Forward. He does love to put on a shot and if it’s not timed right with his power it can cost the team but you hope that settles in time.
Major Tom
Dick Tooth (41)
He reminds me of Valetini the way they use him in the line. And then his leg drive is straight outta Savea’s playbook. Should be able to pile on the muscle in France.
LookLongPlayShort
Allen Oxlade (6)
Talailava should start IMO
LookLongPlayShort
Allen Oxlade (6)
Any insight into schoolboys game? I haven’t been able to watch yet.
bhim
Chris McKivat (8)
I am really impressed with how our pathways system has come along in the past few years, a clear centralised pathway now for players and better talent ID from a younger age. A majority of this Aus 18s starting team today were playing in the squad together two years ago in the Aus 16s vs Pacific All Stars. Reckon we still need to keep this system going for a few years to see more consistant results start to come through in Super Rugby and for the Wallabies.