2025 Super Rugby Under 16 and 19 series (u16's, 27th Sept - 2nd Nov) (u19's, 13th Sept - 5th Oct)

[Major Tom]

Remember a young Hooper and he ran with the 12s and in fact played 12 a few times in SS? Thats his comparison for me.

Kwagga is a good call though. Marshall would be a nightmare in a 7s game. Maybe a spot there for a season before getting into senior Rugby. He could easily slot into the Super Rugby A games though and not be out of place.

Not a bad shout. 7s and U20s with some Tahs preseason games to continue is development. League would want him, so RA needs to get on the front foot.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Was playing both coming through the juniors. I believe a Bears junior but could be wrong. NSW have him signed at the moment but he deserves a long term deal

 

[Homer]

He was very good in SS, one of Norths best v Rats in the Semi. However, his height has been mentioned as an issue, but if you are good enough, and he has been a standout for NSW.

 

[Red Runner]

He was very good in SS, one of Norths best v Rats in the Semi. However, his height has been mentioned as an issue, but if you are good enough, and he has been a standout for NSW.

did he play first grade?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

It is a factor and would hold him back if he then had a standard 7 skill set but the guy does bring a Centres speed and handling to a forward position which makes up for it. He’d be around 178-182cm I reckon. Shorter than McReight but similar to Kirifi at the Canes.

did he play first grade?

Yep, from the start of the year as well. Not a few cameos up from Colts. Straight from School to starting 1st Grade and being effective.

 

[Dctarget]

Aus u18 absolutely monstered NZ schools, 81-48. Combined score of 129 points is insane.

Is NZ schools their top side or is it a b grade?

Australia U18 81 (Tries: Bloomfield 3, Pritchard 2, Lemoto, Folkes, Conway, Kasprowicz, Slater, Geros, Fonua; Cons: Mackay 7, Mesritz 2; Pens: Mackay) def New Zealand 48 (Tries: Raviyawa 2, Fakava, Pahulu, Guerin, Perkins, Miln; Cons: Taylor 5; Pens: Taylor)

 

[Eddie's Eyebrows]

Aus u18 absolutely monstered NZ schools, 81-48. Combined score of 129 points is insane.

Is NZ schools their top side or is it a b grade?

Australia U18 81 (Tries: Bloomfield 3, Pritchard 2, Lemoto, Folkes, Conway, Kasprowicz, Slater, Geros, Fonua; Cons: Mackay 7, Mesritz 2; Pens: Mackay) def New Zealand 48 (Tries: Raviyawa 2, Fakava, Pahulu, Guerin, Perkins, Miln; Cons: Taylor 5; Pens: Taylor)

It was their best vs our best.

 

[Tomikin]

Was tackling optional? Jesus Christ.

 

[WoodysRFC]

Aus u18 absolutely monstered NZ schools, 81-48. Combined score of 129 points is insane.

Is NZ schools their top side or is it a b grade?

Australia U18 81 (Tries: Bloomfield 3, Pritchard 2, Lemoto, Folkes, Conway, Kasprowicz, Slater, Geros, Fonua; Cons: Mackay 7, Mesritz 2; Pens: Mackay) def New Zealand 48 (Tries: Raviyawa 2, Fakava, Pahulu, Guerin, Perkins, Miln; Cons: Taylor 5; Pens: Taylor)

Almost, it's minus the U18 players unavailable as no longer at school (who are selected for a Barbarians U18 sqaud each year, usually of a similar standard to schools, although not so this year). NZR were looking at putting forward a combined NZ U18 for these fixtures but had pushback from principles from schools with your average million dollar rugby programs. Hopefully a smacking like this is the catalyst for change, as the AUS U18 seem to play like a proper professional outfit with clearly defined roles and well executed skills, and the NZ Schools play like a poorly coached composite side.

 

[Adam84]

Almost, it's minus the U18 players unavailable as no longer at school (who are selected for a Barbarians U18 sqaud each year, usually of a similar standard to schools, although not so this year). NZR were looking at putting forward a combined NZ U18 for these fixtures but had pushback from principles from schools with your average million dollar rugby programs. Hopefully a smacking like this is the catalyst for change, as the AUS U18 seem to play like a proper professional outfit with clearly defined roles and well executed skills, and the NZ Schools play like a poorly coached composite side.

out of the Aus U18s matchday 23, I think only 2 of them have finished school last year, I thought there was 3 but can’t see who the 3rd was. So not sure it’s a big game changer.

 

[WoodysRFC]

out of the Aus U18s matchday 23, I think only 2 of them have finished school last year, I thought there was 3 but can’t see who the 3rd was. So not sure it’s a big game changer.

Seem to be on the same page in terms of play, and keep bringing through year 11's who'll be there the following season, great for continuity.