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John Thornett (49)
It’s what’s best for the wobsI’m sure plenty of the NSW boys are going on teams U19s watch lists from this.
Can’t wait to see them run out in Brumbies jerseys in a couple years…
It’s what’s best for the wobsI’m sure plenty of the NSW boys are going on teams U19s watch lists from this.
Can’t wait to see them run out in Brumbies jerseys in a couple years…
I’m sure plenty of the NSW boys are going on teams U19s watch lists from this.
Can’t wait to see them run out in Brumbies jerseys in a couple years…
I've only really watched the Reds u19 games but there was a massive improvement in this last one against the Brumbies. I think the small number of games played a big role in them not being on their game for most of the comp. Additionally I think Aus Schoolboys may have gotten in the way of pre-competition preparation with a number of the key players off there just before the competition started. Not sure what the preparation was otherwise like, but I could understand if it's difficult to get the whole team together much ahead of time. I'd love to see this competition run longer in the future - either home and away or including a few more teams (QLD 2, NSW 2, Combined states, maybe a couple of pacific sides, etc) though money is obviously an issue.Haven't been able to watch the games but a lot of you were quite down about the handling and general skills of the boys a few weeks ago.
Has it improved? Was it just rust or are we still not impressed?
Yeah, given the player movement between 16s and 19s, both to other states and league, it'd make sense to get more QLD/NSW players exposure at that level.Potentially getting a Drua side involved? Try and work it into the Pacific Sports program.
I think in the 16s giving NSW & QLD 2 sides would be a good thing for them as well as trying to make it more competitive for others potentially. We don't need to see 94 points put on the Force. That does nothing for either side.
Durbridge is heading to Syd UniIf the HSC wasn't on right now I'd say Durbridge from the Aus U18s would be the best option at 7 for NSW. Assuming he hasn't signed with anyone else...
Surprised Ekanayake hasn't been in the squad as well to play in the backrow.
Brumbies 19s are really similar to the Super Rugby side of the last few years. They have a dominant and active 9 and the 10 is more of a steady hand. It's the opposite of NSW who play off 10 & 15.
If the HSC wasn't on right now I'd say Durbridge from the Aus U18s would be the best option at 7 for NSW. Assuming he hasn't signed with anyone else...
Surprised Ekanayake hasn't been in the squad as well to play in the backrow.
Brumbies 19s are really similar to the Super Rugby side of the last few years. They have a dominant and active 9 and the 10 is more of a steady hand. It's the opposite of NSW who play off 10 & 15.
They have added an under 20s rugby championship for next year, will play on the Gold Coast in April:they drua played in the nz u/20's one this yr,
I wish we they expanded the RC to 6 & had a womens & u/20's like the 6N does
They have added an under 20s rugby championship for next year, will play on the Gold Coast in April:
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SANZAAR launches new Under-20 Rugby Championship
www.rugby.com.au
6 teams should come in 2026 with the kick off of the world league. Women's rugby championship would be a good addition, but only if it didn't come at the expense of the pacific 4, which is a higher level of competition. Not sure we'd be able to fit in with the WXV structure otherwise though.
For QLD Riley Bierton and Will McCulloch were standouts, Bierton in particular with his goal kicking. Sowerby was in everything on both sides of the ball, he looks a bit light weight but has come out of the lower grades so might have the potential to improve quite quickly now that he's been noticed. I liked Liddy a lot as a captain and a leader but I'm not sure how high his ceiling is.Speaking of the u20's comp. Who are some players in the u19s that should get a call-up?
The obvious ones:
Jack Barrett
Archie Saunders
Lachlan Hooper
Dan Nelson
Oniti Fonau
Few players that I think deserve a call-up
Jullien Caillol
Oliver Schmude
Jackson Stiel
Angus Staniforth
Who else?
For me, definite for the squad would be:Speaking of the u20's comp. Who are some players in the u19s that should get a call-up?
The obvious ones:
Jack Barrett
Archie Saunders
Lachlan Hooper
Dan Nelson
Oniti Fonau
Few players that I think deserve a call-up
Jullien Caillol
Oliver Schmude
Jackson Stiel
Angus Staniforth
Who else?
Firstly, if eligible, obviously Cullen Gray, but not sure what his eligibility is like as a kiwi. He is the best 10 and it's not close.
Trevor King would be in the mix to start in the front row as well, was in the squad and played in a couple of games over in South Africa this year whilst still being eligible for Aus Schools. Not sure what injury he has had recently that has kept him out of the Under 19s comp.For me, definite for the squad would be:
Firstly, if eligible, obviously Cullen Gray, but not sure what his eligibility is like as a kiwi. He is the best 10 and it's not close.
1. Jack Barrett (NSW)
2. Oniti Finau (NSW)
3. Jackson Stiel (NSW)
4. Arnie Tancred (NSW)
5. Toby MacPherson (Brumbies)
6. Lachlan Hooper (Brumbies)
7. Austin Durbridge (u18's)
8. Jack Harley (Brumbies)
9. Dan Nelson (Brumbies)
10. Gray/Schmude (Brumbies/NSW)
11. Riley Bierton (Reds winger)
12. Ollie Cummins/Jakob Biet (Force/Brumbies)
13. Archie Saunders (NSW)
14. Angus Staniforth (Brumbies)
15. Shane Wilcox (Brumbies)
Would pick Phillipson (Force) to be back-up 9.
Would pick either Tipene-Grace or Batidravu (Force/NSW wingers) to be the back-up outside back.
Like Sowerby's energy, but too undersized for me (not ready yet)
Additionally, Durbridge should be called straight up from the u18's, as I have not been impressed by a single 7 this comp, and I don't think Lachlan Hooper will ever be a 7.
Also think Jarrah McLeod is awesome. Think he would have made the squad if not returning from an injury, meaning he didn't get much of a chance as a game-breaking centre for the Brumbies.