2024 Super Rugby Under 16 and 19 series (29th Sept - 3rd Nov)

[Brumby Runner]

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.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

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.

 

[Homer]

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.

 

[Brumby Runner]

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.

Yeah, just how strong is the cohort of centres coming through atm. I would definitely place Grover and MacLachlan in that grouping as well. But they are all still behind some very good prospects from this year's U20s, esp McLeod and Pritchard.

I personally don't get the admiration for King at Hooker. Sure, he has scored a shitload of tries but all off the back of a dominant rolling maul. Once the Brumbies nullified that as a weapon in the final, not only the Reds' whole attacking system went out the window but King was unnoticeable from that point on. Both Brumbies' hookers were better all round players imo.

Doyle and Morrison must have the 6/8 spots sewn up. But Doyle looks to me to be a lock/No 6 hybrid and doesn't quite have the explosiveness of Morrison playing at 8. I'd have them around the other way, Doyle at 6 and Morrison at 8.

 

[drewprint]

Who would be at #7? I was pretty critical of Ekanayake last year (thought he was far too light for #6) but it sounds like he’s returning and with another year of gym work could he slot in there? Seems pretty athletic.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Ryan for me with Durbidge on the bench to lock down rucks at the back end of games like Reimer does for the Brumbies.

Ekanayake is a 6 and your'e right about being too light last year. He honestly suits 7s down to the ground and might be his go.

 

[Bob Peters]

The Roar is reporting that Chris Whitaker has just been appointed as the Junior Wallabies (U20's) coach for 2025, edging out Aust U18 coach Shannon Fraser..

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Will wait and see how he goes but I want to say why....

Unless they didn't apply I'd have Fraser above him and Hooper from the Brums 19s. Waratahs didn't develop shit with Whitaker there as an assistant for 6-7 seasons.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I see the article says "Whitaker will get to prove his coaching credentials after working under three different head coaches in the past six years at the Waratahs. It’s meant the jury is still out on whether the former Waratahs great can cut it in the coaching industry."

He's been an assistant for the 13 years with Stade Francais, Narbonne, Montauban and the Tahs. I think an assessment has been made...

Some former players take to coaching pros immediately but others I think would get a lot from stepping back a coaching in Club land as a HC and progressing that way.

I want them to be good so I wish him all the best, but it's just one appointment in my opinion they might have missed on.

 

[Brumby Runner]

^^^^^ agree entirely Ghost. Good luck to Whittaker but I fear our U20s won't get the most out of him as coach as they would with Hooper for example.

 

[footinbothcamps]

The Roar is reporting that Chris Whitaker has just been appointed as the Junior Wallabies (U20's) coach for 2025, edging out Aust U18 coach Shannon Fraser..

I'm sure with the nepotism involved in NSW Rugby that Whitaker's 16 year old son will miraculously move his way up the food chain to the 20's team....