BobbyD
Allen Oxlade (6)
The AUS u20’s this year was predominantly Brumbies players from the team who won the u19s last year..
2024 Super Rugby Under 16 and 19 series (29th Sept - 3rd Nov)
- Thread starter Rudderless
- Start date
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
I think you'll see the majority of the side come out of the Brums then Tahs with QLD providing some genuine guns like Goldsbrough (depending if he's in deep with the Reds or let play like HMP last year.
Dillon went to the tournament last year on the back of Club form over being a huge name and I'm hoping after winning the comp he is pencilled into the 10 and build around him. Give him some weapons and speed. Bowen & O'Donnell looked good together in the 20s since they'd played together all through School. Dillon & Grover did the exact same thing at the exact same School.
Key for the 20s no matter what talent they have is being able to put a pack out there that can physically overpower or match opponents. Aus sides always look like they are fighting off the back foot and preying on open play situations. No matter how talneted some are in the 18s pack I'd only look at a couple of them. Need to squeeze any bit of age and development out of them and get the older boys with grade exposure against men in there.
Dillon went to the tournament last year on the back of Club form over being a huge name and I'm hoping after winning the comp he is pencilled into the 10 and build around him. Give him some weapons and speed. Bowen & O'Donnell looked good together in the 20s since they'd played together all through School. Dillon & Grover did the exact same thing at the exact same School.
Key for the 20s no matter what talent they have is being able to put a pack out there that can physically overpower or match opponents. Aus sides always look like they are fighting off the back foot and preying on open play situations. No matter how talneted some are in the 18s pack I'd only look at a couple of them. Need to squeeze any bit of age and development out of them and get the older boys with grade exposure against men in there.
Homer
Bill Watson (15)
There will be a big brumbies core in the squad but there is depth in every position. Morrison should be there but move to 6, Enasio, Wilcox, the hooker will be there with King from QLD (great watching those two at each other the whole game), plus the blond 2nd row. Jonno Ryan is a chance as every team needs a bloodnut.
The front row will be strong, Goddard and King bring real size and scrummaging.
The front row will be strong, Goddard and King bring real size and scrummaging.
Steve_Grey
Alfred Walker (16)
Who is the Aus U20s Coach now?
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Is Fisher still going to be involved at all? Not the biggest fan of the bucket hat goat but an experienced head is good.
I reckon Brad Thorn would an ideal candidate for this. Hooper at the Brums has to be up there too but ACT may want him very much in house and I wouldn't blame them with what he's done.
I reckon Brad Thorn would an ideal candidate for this. Hooper at the Brums has to be up there too but ACT may want him very much in house and I wouldn't blame them with what he's done.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Not sure there has been much movement here yet, I have a feeling it might all be tied up in the 7s coaching appointment process as there is some crossover in the candidates.
Homer
Bill Watson (15)
The Roar is saying the 7s job has gone to Liam Barry from NZ after Chucky Stannard took a role at the Force.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
And that may free things up to move forward here if it's locked in, but given Zak Beer was touted as a candidate for that role as he has been for this one, there's a good chance that the 7s process was in some way blocking the under 20s one.
That trio passed over for the 7s role does make a solid shortlist for this one though: Zak Beer, Jim McKay and Chris Whitaker.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
I know Beer extended at Norths for 2025. I'm sure if these jobs come up he'd take them but Norths could be likely to ask for something in return with pre season starting at the end of this month.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
It does complicate the issue, but I wouldn't be surprised if he had some sort of out in his contract for something of this level, the same way pro team coaches do for test coaching jobs.
Brad Harris, the rebels former defence coach might be another possibility here - he doesn't seem to have landed a permanent gig yet but is coaching with the Australia XV on the EOYT. It could even be that he's stepping into the role and they'll announce once that tours done, though I'd expect something like that to have leaked by now. Alternatively he could be being looked at to step into a Wallabies role given the underwhelming defensive performance under Fischer, which then might see Laurie come in here off the back of a bit of musical chairs. That would be a big shift with not much in the way of games booked between now and the Lions though.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Did Todd Sampson land anywhere. He's a good coach IMO and has just been at some below average places.
He did a lot in a short space of time as an assistant with the Rebels under Foote.
Still. Thorn would be my pick of any. Get him and coaching up the kids and shift them out to the franchises after two hard years. They'd leave better than they showed up I think. He probably doesn't have a long term pro tenure style if it grinds guys. Perfect for a grade where there's a hard out stage.
He did a lot in a short space of time as an assistant with the Rebels under Foote.
Still. Thorn would be my pick of any. Get him and coaching up the kids and shift them out to the franchises after two hard years. They'd leave better than they showed up I think. He probably doesn't have a long term pro tenure style if it grinds guys. Perfect for a grade where there's a hard out stage.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Tim Sampson? He's with the Drua
Thorn is currently with BBC (high school in Brisbane) but I think only listed as an assistant so I can't see it being any barrier to taking the job. He'd be my pick too and seems absolutely perfect for this sort of short shift role, preparing these guys for the step up to the pro game. I feel like the barrier there might be whether or not he wants it, more than if RA want him for the role though. If he does put his hand up I'd be slotting him straight in.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Hahaha shit, Why did I have that in my head.
Tim's a good coach as well.
Googled it. Todd Sampson is the bloke that thinks he's smarter than everyone on Ch10.
Tim's a good coach as well.
Googled it. Todd Sampson is the bloke that thinks he's smarter than everyone on Ch10.
Cockatoo Run
Herbert Moran (7)
Well done the Brumbies U19s, and no qualms from me if their U19 coach does the Junior Wallabies next year. He showed last year was no fluke.
Next year’s Australia U20’s puzzle coming together a bit more after the Super Rugby 19s and the AUS U18’s matches. No doubt a lot of movement to come in the next 6-9 months (plus finding a coach!).
There are 12 players who played or were called up to Aus U20 last year still eligible (6 forwards, 6 backs):
Forwards: T. King, Titii, Goddard, Ekanayake, Doyle, Durbidge
Backs: Sharples, Dillon, Fowler, Fakafanua, Goldsborough, Wilcox
Now, these guys are no certainties as injuries and form can change, however, it’s hard to see a scenario where the majority don’t go round again in a squad of 33.
Who else were standouts we should be keeping an eye on for the other 21 spots? Dre Pakeho is with the Reds senior squad so he looks likely. Lipina Ata looks preferred at hooker. Enasio, Rubens, Harvey and Grover were all eye catching at times in the backs. Baxter, Morrison, Ryan, Gillon Brosnan and King (the Qld hooker) all had their moments in the forwards too across the series.
Then there’s the 18s coming through as well like Robinson, Ross and Langi, plus some talent amongst those who were injured (Brial and Jacques).
If the pool system allocations is following the same method as last year’s U20 RWC, then Australia will be in a very difficult pool with England, South Africa, and Scotland.
As many have commented – some very tall and/or very big bodies in the forwards back 5 would be nice to find. Maybe we go with a couple of 6’4” heavier second rowers and using tall backrow jumpers like Brial, Ekanayake, Doyle and Morrison in the lineout. To put it all in perspective, England have 2 returning second rowers who are 6’8” and over 120kg already playing professional rugby.
Next year’s Australia U20’s puzzle coming together a bit more after the Super Rugby 19s and the AUS U18’s matches. No doubt a lot of movement to come in the next 6-9 months (plus finding a coach!).
There are 12 players who played or were called up to Aus U20 last year still eligible (6 forwards, 6 backs):
Forwards: T. King, Titii, Goddard, Ekanayake, Doyle, Durbidge
Backs: Sharples, Dillon, Fowler, Fakafanua, Goldsborough, Wilcox
Now, these guys are no certainties as injuries and form can change, however, it’s hard to see a scenario where the majority don’t go round again in a squad of 33.
Who else were standouts we should be keeping an eye on for the other 21 spots? Dre Pakeho is with the Reds senior squad so he looks likely. Lipina Ata looks preferred at hooker. Enasio, Rubens, Harvey and Grover were all eye catching at times in the backs. Baxter, Morrison, Ryan, Gillon Brosnan and King (the Qld hooker) all had their moments in the forwards too across the series.
Then there’s the 18s coming through as well like Robinson, Ross and Langi, plus some talent amongst those who were injured (Brial and Jacques).
If the pool system allocations is following the same method as last year’s U20 RWC, then Australia will be in a very difficult pool with England, South Africa, and Scotland.
As many have commented – some very tall and/or very big bodies in the forwards back 5 would be nice to find. Maybe we go with a couple of 6’4” heavier second rowers and using tall backrow jumpers like Brial, Ekanayake, Doyle and Morrison in the lineout. To put it all in perspective, England have 2 returning second rowers who are 6’8” and over 120kg already playing professional rugby.
BobbyD
Allen Oxlade (6)
Thanks CR, jeez that a tough pool if that's the case, particularly as you generally need to finish top to get to the last 4.
Backs really well covered. In the centres alone there is Pakeho, Goldborough, Grover, Enasio and Rubens. Maybe also Fittler to be considered if they need someone with a bit of size (and he'll get the next 6 months in the Tahs senior system). Wilcox and Harvey at 15, Dillon and Fowler at 10 is great depth in key positions. An area of concern though is all the high scores in U18 and U19 matches, as it seems attack won't be a problem but defence is - so wonder who the best defensive unit will be. You'd think Wilcox favourite to skipper, or maybe Doyle - both now also full-time in their respective Super Rugby squads, as I understand a few Qld players from your lists are now.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Grover looks like a must pick for me. Was a real battle but he lead the comp in line breaks and has genuine speed. He'd either be on a Wing or the bench with his ability to cover 11, 12, 13, 14 and probably 15 if you needed it.
Fittler is a bit raw right now having watched him all year. He's a 12 and that's the spot he'll stay and I think there is enough above him and returning that deserve the spot.
I'd shift Doyle into the Second Row for the size and get other guys in the Backrow. We have the flexibility in loose forwards that I want some power behind what should be a good front row.
Was impressed by the 18s but it's a big ask to get tight forwards to go against current English pros even though the same age. Give me the boys who were Aus 18s players but have a year or two against men.
Fittler is a bit raw right now having watched him all year. He's a 12 and that's the spot he'll stay and I think there is enough above him and returning that deserve the spot.
I'd shift Doyle into the Second Row for the size and get other guys in the Backrow. We have the flexibility in loose forwards that I want some power behind what should be a good front row.
Was impressed by the 18s but it's a big ask to get tight forwards to go against current English pros even though the same age. Give me the boys who were Aus 18s players but have a year or two against men.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Congratulations to the Brumbies U19 players and to Dan Hooper and the coaching group.
Must have been most satisfying to bring the Reds' rolling maul under control after the shellacking the Reds gave them in the earlier match. But by neutralising the maul it left the Reds with almost nothing in attack. The Brumbies backs were running riot after the scrum and maul were nullified.
How good is Dillon at game management? Reminds me in shape and form of Rod Kafer at his best. Thought he was the MOTM and looks likely to have a big future at 10 in Aus rugby.
Not sure why Lester Tuitea started at 3 during the season when the Brumbies scrum immediately looked stronger when Percival came off the bench. Think it would have been better to swap them.
Finn Baxter and Lepina Ata were standouts and should start for the U20s. Bailey Buesnel was also impressive and in my book is the next best hooker after Ata.
For the Reds, Tom Robinson was outstanding, just pippingBilly Hansen for best Lock on the ground.
Like to see Dan Hooper get the U20s top coach for next year.
Must have been most satisfying to bring the Reds' rolling maul under control after the shellacking the Reds gave them in the earlier match. But by neutralising the maul it left the Reds with almost nothing in attack. The Brumbies backs were running riot after the scrum and maul were nullified.
How good is Dillon at game management? Reminds me in shape and form of Rod Kafer at his best. Thought he was the MOTM and looks likely to have a big future at 10 in Aus rugby.
Not sure why Lester Tuitea started at 3 during the season when the Brumbies scrum immediately looked stronger when Percival came off the bench. Think it would have been better to swap them.
Finn Baxter and Lepina Ata were standouts and should start for the U20s. Bailey Buesnel was also impressive and in my book is the next best hooker after Ata.
For the Reds, Tom Robinson was outstanding, just pippingBilly Hansen for best Lock on the ground.
Like to see Dan Hooper get the U20s top coach for next year.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Think everyone would be happy to see Dan Hooper get the gig. Couldn't do more.
My best possible options:
Dan Hooper
Brad Thorn
Other guys around like Ben Mowan could be a shout but tournament being mid Super season isn't ideal for guys like him being an assistant coach for ACT.
My best possible options:
Dan Hooper
Brad Thorn
Other guys around like Ben Mowan could be a shout but tournament being mid Super season isn't ideal for guys like him being an assistant coach for ACT.
Homer
Bill Watson (15)
With Pakeho, Goldsborough, Enacio, Fakafanua etc centres will be a tough choice. Palmer, Grover and Wilcox have genuine speed.
Titii, King, Goddard, King and Ata up front is massive and i reckon Doyle at 8, Morrison at 6 is well balanced and lets Doyle concentrate on gainline hit-ups. They have missed a hole punching forward the last two comps, Ekanayake wasnt made for that.
Our forwards have played above their weight the last few comps but won't be outweighed next year.
Titii, King, Goddard, King and Ata up front is massive and i reckon Doyle at 8, Morrison at 6 is well balanced and lets Doyle concentrate on gainline hit-ups. They have missed a hole punching forward the last two comps, Ekanayake wasnt made for that.
Our forwards have played above their weight the last few comps but won't be outweighed next year.