Oz U20 Team

[spectator]

It will be very interesting to see who the top XV will be. Starting 10 will be probably be Beale but in 2007 To'omua worked very well inside Tapuai and Horne at schools level.

Interesting to note who isn't there. Peter Betham and Brent Hamlin from the Brumbies must be injured. And from the Reds Luke Morahan is due to go in for a shoulder op and Aidan Toua a knee op.

Impressive looking team though, particularly the backs.

On Taps - I personally consider him a better long term prospect than Faainga and Fetoia at the Reds. If he doesn't get a contract next year he will be a good pick up for someone.

 

[RugbyReg]

Australian Under 20’s selectors have named Kurtley Beale at fullback for tonight’s trial match against an ACT Selection XV at Viking Park, Wanniassa.

The game, kicking off at 5pm, is one of two trial matches for the Australians ahead of the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan next month (June 5-21).

Brumbies five-eighth Matt To'omua has been handed the No.10 jumper for the Australian U20’s after his impressive late season performances in the Investec Super 14.

Australian Sevens stars Richard Kingi and Dane Haylett-Petty, who have competed on the IRB World Series Sevenscircuit this season, will also start the game at halfback and wing respectively.

In the pack, Andrew Shaw has been selected at blindside flanker.

The son of former Wallabies captain Tony Shaw, Andrew made his Super 14 debut earlier this month when chosen to play openside flanker and in direct opposition to All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw for the Reds against the Crusaders.

Another player with Super 14 experience, Waratahs hooker Damian Fitzpatrick, will wear the No.2 jumper for the Australian U20’s against the ACT Selection XV tonight.

The Australian U20’s team has been drawn in Pool D alongside Tonga, Wales and Canada for the 16-team Junior World Championship.

Their opening match will be against Canada in Fukuoka on 5 June.

The Australian U20’s team to play the ACT Selection XV is:

15 Kurtley BEALE
14 Rod DAVIES
13 Sipa TAUMOPEAU
12 Ben TAPUI
11 Dan HAYLETT-PETTY
10 Matt To'omua
9 Richard KINGI
8 Jake SCHATZ
7 Sam LATINIPULU
6 Andrew SHAW
5 Rob SIMMONS
4 Kane DOUGLAS
3 James SLIPPER
2 Damian FITZPATRICK
1 Albert ANAE

Reserves: Nathan Charles, Kesome Lolotonga, Ben Whittaker, Tom Murday, Tala Gray, Mark Swanepoel, Nick White, Corey Brown, Robbie Coleman.

ACT SELECTION XV (from):

FORWARDS: Robbie Abel, Afa Amosa, Colby Fainga'a, Ed Gower, Anthony Hegarty, Seilala Lam, Tevita Metuisela, Tim McNamara, Steve Noriega, Sokai Tai, Sitaleki Timani, John Ulugia, Jerry Yanuyanutawa.

BACKS: Sanualio Afeaki, James Ambrosini, Peter Betham, Anthony Dawes, Tevita Halaifonua, Ben Johnston, Tom Marshall, Tyler Stevens, Ed Stubbs, Ben Tyler, Dan Yakopo.

I assume Robbie Horne is still injured? Other than him, its probably our strongest lineup right?

 

[Lindommer]

Nice to see Pato Noriega's boy in the ACT team. Hope he can prop like his dad.

 

[Lee Grant]

I think the team is as close as dammit to being their best team.

Suddenly the backs don't look quite so good without Horne and Rabbit there. IIRR they are taking Horne over to Japan even though he's still receiving treatment. I'd like to see Beale at 12 and DHP or Davies at fullback in the absence of JOC (James O'Connor), or even Corey Brown, who can shift, but maybe the coach wants Tapuai on the park.

I saw all the forwards in their schooldays, except Douglas, and they were all good players, but now they are at the crossroads. They will all show skill from time to time in the tournament but it will be their mongrel, workrate, ability to play when exhausted and/or hurt, and sheer bloody mindedness when things go against them, that will define not only the prospects of Oz in the tournament but also their prospects for a future pro career.

It was always so.

Our fowards got out muscled and out enthused by the Poms at the money end of the important pool game last year. Let's hope that this year's crop is made of sterner stuff. If they are, I am sure that our backline can cause any opponent problems even without JOC (James O'Connor) - and perhaps Horne.

 

[louie]

will this be on TV at all?
would be a cracker to watch

 

[naza]

ACT SELECTION XV (from):

FORWARDS: Robbie Abel, Afa Amosa, Colby Fainga'a, Ed Gower, Anthony Hegarty, Seilala Lam, Tevita Metuisela, Tim McNamara, Steve Noriega, Sokai Tai, Sitaleki Timani, John Ulugia, Jerry Yanuyanutawa.

BACKS: Sanualio Afeaki, James Ambrosini, Peter Betham, Anthony Dawes, Tevita Halaifonua, Ben Johnston, Tom Marshall, Tyler Stevens, Ed Stubbs, Ben Tyler, Dan Yakopo.

How the hell did the Tahs let Ed Gower get poached by those dirty sneaky low down conniving Brumbies ?

Surprised to see Fitzpatrick over Charles at hooker. Charles' set piece is light years ahead of the Eastwood dynamo.

 

[louie]

ACT SELECTION XV (from):

FORWARDS: Robbie Abel, Afa Amosa, Colby Fainga'a, Ed Gower, Anthony Hegarty, Seilala Lam, Tevita Metuisela, Tim McNamara, Steve Noriega, Sokai Tai, Sitaleki Timani, John Ulugia, Jerry Yanuyanutawa.

BACKS: Sanualio Afeaki, James Ambrosini, Peter Betham, Anthony Dawes, Tevita Halaifonua, Ben Johnston, Tom Marshall, Tyler Stevens, Ed Stubbs, Ben Tyler, Dan Yakopo.

How the hell did the Tahs let Ed Gower get poached by those dirty sneaky low down conniving Brumbies ?

Surprised to see Fitzpatrick over Charles at hooker. Charles' set piece is light years ahead of the Eastwood dynamo.

you right?

 

[rugbywhisperer]

Aus U20 won 57- 7 as you would have expected

 

[straightshooter]

Are there any reports on the game ???? heard that big Robert Simmons from the Sunnybank Club (and Reds) had a fantastic game - maybe coming of age and ready for the "big time"

Under 20's playing Uraguay (don't how to spell?????) on Friday at Sydney University (6pm)

 

[RugbyReg]

Are there any reports on the game ???? heard that big Robert Simmons from the Sunnybank Club (and Reds) had a fantastic game - maybe coming of age and ready for the "big time"

Under 20's playing Uraguay (don't how to spell?????) on Friday at Sydney University (6pm)

The Australian Under 20's have begun their campaign for the Japan's IRB Junior World Championship with a 52-7 win over an ACT Selection XV at Viking Park tonight.

While the score line did not reflect the relative parity in possession and territory, the Australian Under 20's execution was the difference in their eight-tries-to-one victory.

The forward clash proved a torrid and brutal affair while the junior national side had too much pace for the home team through the backline.

Queeensland Reds winger Rod Davies crossed for two tries while the rest of the first half try scoring was left to fellow Queenslanders Richard Kingi, Ben Tapui, Andrew Shaw and Rob Simmons. Brumbies Academy No.8 Tala Gray and NSW back rower Sam Latinipulu touched down in the second half while CA Brumbies flyhalf Matt To'omua kicked his way to 10 points for the match.

While trailing 33-0 at the break, the ACT Selection XV's lone try came in the 53rd minute when Brumbies Academy centre Ed Stubbs charged down a kick within the visitors' half before outpacing the converging defence to the line.

The Australian Under 20's opening match of the Junior World Championship is against Canada in Fukuoka on 5 June.


MATCH DETAILS
Australian Under 20's 52 (Rod Davies 2; Richard Kingi, Ben Tapui, Andrew Shaw, Rob Simmons, Tala Gray, Sam Latinipulu tries; Matt To'omua 5/7 conversions, Kurtley Beale 1/1 conversion) defeated ACT Selection XV (Ed Stubbs try; Ben Johnston 1/1 conversion) at Viking Park, Wanniassa.
Referee: James Leckie
Half time: Australian Under 20's 33-0

http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/56132

 

[Biffo]

From the Canberra Times:

NSW Super 14 flyhalf Kurtley Beale believes Matt To'omua has the talent to lead the Australian under-20s to a successful junior world championship in Japan next month. To'omua took the No.10 jumper while Beale played at fullback as the national team trounced an ACT selection XV 52-7 at Viking Park last night.

It was the first chance for the incumbent ACT Brumbies pivot to impress in national colours after making his Super rugby debut this season.

Australian coach David Nucifora will opt to use the 19-year-old in the No.10 jumper while Beale plies his trade from fullback or inside centre. Beale backed To'omua to continue his impressive rise through the rugby ranks.

"He's good enough for sure," Beale said. "He's only one year younger than me so I can't pass too much on to him but I rate him as a player.

"He's a really smart thinker, he's got a great kicking game and knows how to organise the boys really well."

The Australian team will play its first match of the championship against Canada in Fukuoka on June 5.

The squad has been in camp at the Australian Institute of Sport since last Friday and will play a final preparation match against Uruguay in Sydney later this week. To'omua and Beale directed the team around the field as its blistering speed tore through the ACT team.

Winger Rod Davies bagged a double in the eight-tries-to-one romp.

The ACT XV, made up of Brumbies, Brumbies Academy and John I Dent Cup players, had opportunities to pressure the national squad but was unable to convert attacking possession. Nucifora was impressed with the first-up performance and said the combination of To'omua and Beale would be an indication of possible future representative honours.


Ads by

 

[RugbyReg]

Unfortunately its a pretty average tv schedule. No Aussie games until (hopefully) the finals.

http://aru.rugby.com.au/fixtures_results/australian_under_20s/broadcast_details,130789.html

 

[fatprop]

The best last year was highlight clips on the IRB website after each game

 

[naza]

Unfortunately its a pretty average tv schedule. No Aussie games until (hopefully) the finals.

The past 2-3 years I've watch the games via Channel http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/forum/index.php/board,9.0.html

 

[Biffo]

Team for tonight?

 

[Lee Grant]

This was the Oz team tonight.

1. Kesomi Lolotonga ACT Prop
2. Ben Whittaker WA Hooker
3. Albert Anae QLD Prop
4. Kane Douglas NSW Lock
5. Tom Murday QLD Lock
6. Jake Shatz QLD Back Row
7. Sam Latunipulu NSW Back Row
8. Talalelei Gray ACT Back Row
9. Nicholas White ACT Halfback
10. Matt To'omua ACT Flyhalf
11. Corey Brown NSW Wing
12. Ben Tapuai QLD Centre
13. Rob Horne NSW Centre
14. Dane Haylett-Petty WA Wing
15. Kurtley Beale NSW Five Eight


Reserves
16. Nathan Charles ACT Hooker
17. James Slipper QLD Prop
18. Rob Simmons QLD Lock
19. Damian Fitzpatrick NSW Hooker
20. Mark Swanepoel WA Halfback
21. Robert Coleman ACT Flyhalf
22. Afusipa Taumoepeau ACT Wing
23. Rod Davies QLD Wing
24. Richard Kingi QLD Halfback
25. Andrew Shaw QLD Back Row

 

[Lee Grant]

Oz U20 beat Uruguay U/20 tonight 57-0 (Half Time 31-0.)

It's a pity that the rain came back to Sydney about an hour before kick off, and after oranges it bucketed down. The cricket pitch became a quagmire and the lads from both teams are to be congratulated for retaining the ball as much as they did.

The visitors were outclassed in experience and ability and had only one realistic scoring chance, but the prolonged attack by the forwards on the Oz line in the second half was rebuffed. Other half chances were spoiled by whiteline fever.

The Oz backs were terrific even taking into account the lower standard of the opponents. Particularly impressive was the effort in the last quarter of the game when 3 halfbacks were in the backline - Kingi at 10, White at 12 and Swanepoel on the wing - with flyhalf Coleman playing scrummie!!!!! Against those oppponents they didn't look out of place.

IIRR it was during this time that one of the best tries of the season was scored in a downpour.

It was great to see Robbie Horne back on the park and combining with his Oz Schools team mate Ben Tapuai in the midfield as they did in 2007 beating NZ Schools. Robbie underplayed his hand beautifully as did Beale at fullback. They had an insouciance in their play that was deadly as the pennies began dropping for their opponents and they recognised the danger - too late.

But they got only half a game. DHP got a bit more than that and was probably the best player on the park during the time he was on. Tapuai looked good but so did Zipper when he played the second half. Next thing I know this guy who needs a shave is carving up a few times, and it's Rod Davies.

Flyhalf To'omua was assured and chose well as you would expect at this level. He lived up to the praise Beale gave him this week but his kicking of the more difficult goals was not up to standard and Kingi did not impress in the 2nd half either.

I don't know who the no.1 Oz scrummie is going to be but Swanepoel, albeit not playing halfback, had a terrific run after half time and with a speed I didn't think he had in his school days.

The Oz lineouts were good as you would expect with Douglas, Murday and Simmons all on the park in the second half and apart from once when they lost the hit they were superior in the scrums. The backrowers and the props were tough and always near the ball, but I was disappointed in the hooker and the locks in general play apart from Murday.

Hooker Ben Whittaker from the Force played the whole game IIRR and I expected a few charges, and cleanouts and bit hits, but all I noticed were offloads and little mobility. Locks Douglas and Simmons didn't get involved very much IMO and one time Simmons just grabbed at a guy when he should have left his feet and tackled him.

It's hard to judge the Oz performance given the standard of the opposition and the ground and weather conditions but you can chalk up plusses for depth in the backs and minuses for poor long goal kicking and a lack of grunt in some tight five players.

Unfortunately, either of the minuses can lose crunch games.

 

[fatprop]

10. Matt To'omua ACT Flyhalf
11. Corey Brown NSW Wing
12. Ben Tapuai QLD Centre
13. Rob Horne NSW Centre
14. Dane Haylett-Petty WA Wing
15. Kurtley Beale NSW Five Eight

That was a pretty good backline

 

[rugbywhisperer]

Unfortunately its a pretty average tv schedule. No Aussie games until (hopefully) the finals.

The past 2-3 years I've watch the games via Channel http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/forum/index.php/board,9.0.html

That link don't work - well not for me anyhow.

 

[Lee Grant]

10. Matt To'omua ACT Flyhalf
11. Corey Brown NSW Wing
12. Ben Tapuai QLD Centre
13. Rob Horne NSW Centre
14. Dane Haylett-Petty WA Wing
15. Kurtley Beale NSW Five Eight

That was a pretty good backline

Davies will come in for Brown in the important tournament games IMO. Brown had a few good runs last night but some of his passing at speed, and he has speed, saw the play breaking down.

There could be a case for Zipper playing in his best position, 13, with Horne moving to 12, but it is unlikely. Few people are considering Horne as a 12 these days and he probably hasn't played there since he was inside centre for NSW Schools. Likewise, I can't recall Zipper playing in his 13 Joeys position in senior rugby. And 12 Tapuai was in the 1st team last year, anyway.

Scrumhalf will be an interesting choice for the big games. Swanepoel looks like having the class and the pace, but Kingi has had experience under pressure in international Sevens games in front of big crowds and not been fazed, and got a run in the Super14.

We may seemed to be a bit spoiled for choice in the backs but there are always injuries in rugby matches and with only 4 days between tournament games players often don't have time to come right.