2018 New Zealand U20s

[Stargazer]

A total 52 young players have been selected to attend the New Zealand Under 20 Development Camp as coach Craig Philpott begins preparation for the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Players selected to attend the development camp in Palmerston North from 3-9 December 2017 are: 

Forwards
John Akau'ola-Laula - Auckland
Sione Asi - Manawatu
Suetena Asomua - Counties Manukau
Tom Christie - Canterbury
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta - Tasman
Rob Cobb - Auckland
Jacob Devery - Hawkes Bay
Sosaia Fale - Waikato
Tim Farrell - Hawkes Bay
Devan Flanders - Hawkes Bay
Tom Florence - Taranaki
Brayden Iose - Manawatu
Ricky Jackson - Otago
Joe Johnson - Bay of Plenty
Josh Kaho - Waikato
Tevita Mafileo - Bay of Plenty
Slade McDowall - Otago
Laghlan McWhannell - Waikato
Sam Moli - Tasman
Ajay Mua - Bay of Plenty
Xavier Numia - Wellington
Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa - Auckland
Ben Sa'u - Auckland
Bradley Slater - Taranaki
Hoskins Sotutu - Auckland
Cameron Suafoa - Auckland
Sione Talitui - Auckland
Flynn Thomas - Southland
Will Tucker - Canterbury
Kaliopasi Uluilakepa - Wellington
Tupou Va'ai - Taranaki
Ricky Van Der Heyden - Bay of Plenty

Backs
Wiseguy Faiane- Auckland
Leicester Faingaanuku - Tasman
Scott Gregory - Northland
Jack Grooby - Tasman
Ciarahn Matoe - Taranaki
Rupena Parkinson - Tasman
Harry Plummer - Auckland
Rameka Poihipi - Canterbury
Carlos Price - Wellington
Billy Proctor - Wellington
Ngane Punivai - Canterbury
Jay Renton - Southland
Xavier Roe - Waikato
Jamie Spowart - Tasman
Bailyn Sullivan - Waikato
Tanielu Tele'a - Auckland
Danny Toala - Hawkes Bay
Salyn Tonu'u - North Harbour
Sheldon Tovio - Waikato
Kaleb Trask - Bay of Plenty

Not considered due to Super Rugby or Sevens commitments: Caleb Clarke (Auckland), Will Jordan (Tasman), Vilimoni Koroi (Otago).

Not considered due to injury: Will Tremain (Hawke's Bay), Raymond Nu'u (Canterbury).

http://www.allblacks.com/News/31703/journey-to-2018-world-rugby-under-20-championship-begins

[Stargazer]

Selected players by province:

Auckland (11): John Akau'ola-Laula, Rob Cobb, Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa, Ben Sa'u, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Sione Talitui, Wiseguy Faiane, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Tele'a, [Caleb Clarke]
Bay of Plenty (5): Joe Johnson, Tevita Mafileo, Ajay Mua, Ricky Van Der Heyden, Kaleb Trask
Counties (1): Suetena Asomua
Canterbury (5): Tom Christie, Will Tucker, Rameka Poihipi, Ngane Punivai, [ Raymond Nu'u]
Hawke's Bay (5): Jacob Devery, Tim Farrell, Devan Flanders, Danny Toala, [Will Tremain]
Manawatu (2): Sione Asi, Brayden Iose
North Harbour (1): Salyn Tonu'u
Northland (1): Scott Gregory,
Otago (3): Ricky Jackson, Slade McDowall, [Vilimoni Koroi]
Southland (2): Flynn Thomas, Jay Renton
Taranaki (4) Tom Florence, Bradley Slater, Tupou Va'ai, Ciarahn Matoe
Tasman (7): Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Sam Moli, Leicester Faingaanuku, Jack Grooby, Rupena Parkinson, Jamie Spowart, [Will Jordan]
Waikato (6) Sosaia Fale, Josh Kaho, Laghlan McWhannell, Xavier Roe, Bailyn Sullivan, Sheldon Tovio
Wellington (4): Xavier Numia, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Carlos Price, Billy Proctor

[Stargazer]

For some reason, I expected more players from the NZ Schools team.
For example, I miss players from Hastings Boys like Lincoln McClutchie, Folau Fakatava and others; Rivez Reihana from SKC etc, but maybe they are still too young? Maybe they'll be playing U19s first in 2018?

[mikedogz]

Bugger, Taranaki have recruited Tupou Va'ai from Wesley/Counties. I was hoping he would join the Counties Academy.

[mikedogz]

Who are sons of former Pro players?

Hoskins Sotutu
Salyn Tonu'u?
Rupena Parkinson?

[Bovidae]

@stargazer

Reihana is from SKC.

Waikato is under-represented given they made the U19 final again. I thought the 1st 5 Coombes-Fabling played very well in the tournament.

[Stargazer]

@bovidae said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@stargazer

Reihana is from SKC.

Waikato is under-represented given they made the U19 final again. I thought the 1st 5 Coombes-Fabling played very well in the tournament.

Cheers, yes, was thinking about the right player, but the wrong Top 4 game.

[Bovidae]

@mikedogz said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Who are sons of former Pro players?

Hoskins Sotutu
Salyn Tonu'u?
Rupena Parkinson?

Brad Slater is Andy's son. I saw him play at hooker for NPBHS a few times and didn't rate him.

[taniwharugby]

hopefully Reihana comes back here when he steps into Provincial rugby!

[Wurzel]

@stargazer said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Not considered due to Super Rugby or Sevens commitments: Caleb Clarke (Auckland), Will Jordan (Tasman), Vilimoni Koroi (Otago).

Reading between the lines, Koroi is in the NZ 7s team (no surprises) and Will Jordan is in the Crusaders (seems likely) and therefore Caleb Clarke is in the Blues or NZ 7s?

[KiwiMurph]

@wurzel Caleb Clarke was announced as a Blues signing a couple of months back - along with Dalton Papalii

[Tim]

@mikedogz

Salyn Tonu'u is Junior Tonu'u's son. He plays halfback, and apparently was the star of the NH U19 team this year (finished 3rd).

[Rapido]

@mikedogz said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Who are sons of former Pro players?

Hoskins Sotutu
Salyn Tonu'u?
Rupena Parkinson?

I think I remember a Van Der Heyden for BoP in late 80s / early 90s. Played No8 i think, or may have been a different dutch sounding name?

(not pro then though .......)

[98blueandgold]

Good squad, some depth there.
as for 10s like McCluthie, Reihana (Only y12), Waikato first five, we just happen to have talent there, Last two years schools first 5s who have played mitre10 Wiseguy, Plummer and my pick Matoe.
Like the athletes in the forwards, but agin it will be the set-piece that dictates the success of the group.

As is the way a number of this squad will not make it to the next stage and those not pick will find there way in for march, especially this years schools players. You always find that the Feb/March camps is more accurate as they pick players who have had super squad exposure and super development games. I think they selectors want to see them play up a level before choosing current school players.

[Number 10]

@rapido said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@mikedogz said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Who are sons of former Pro players?

Hoskins Sotutu
Salyn Tonu'u?
Rupena Parkinson?

I think I remember a Van Der Heyden for BoP in late 80s / early 90s. Played No8 i think, or may have been a different dutch sounding name?

(not pro then though .......)

I think you're thinking of Steve van der Leeden who was number eight for BOP 1989-1990.
His father Ernest was fullback for BOP 1968.

[cgrant]

I expected Alaimalo, Dyer, Ah Kuoi, Funaki, Tupaea and Etene Nanai to make the squad. They had been very impressive for the NZ Schoolboys in September. Still too young ?

[Stargazer]

@cgrant Yeah, that's what I thought when I said that I expected more players from the NZ Schools team. I think many of them will probably play U19s in 2018, and only a few will make the U20 squad.

[Number 10]

@stargazer said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Auckland (11): John Akau'ola-Laula, Rob Cobb, Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa, Ben Sa'u, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Sione Talitui, Wiseguy Faiane, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Tele'a, [Caleb Clarke]
Bay of Plenty (5): Joe Johnson, Tevita Mafileo, Ajay Mua, Ricky Van Der Heyden, Kaleb Trask
Counties (1): Suetena Asomua
Canterbury (5): Tom Christie, Will Tucker, Rameka Poihipi, Ngane Punivai, [ Raymond Nu'u]
Hawke's Bay (5): Jacob Devery, Tim Farrell, Devan Flanders, Danny Toala, [Will Tremain]
Manawatu (2): Sione Asi, Brayden Iose
North Harbour (1): Salyn Tonu'u
Northland (1): Scott Gregory,
Otago (3): Ricky Jackson, Slade McDowall, [Vilimoni Koroi]
Southland (2): Flynn Thomas, Jay Renton
Taranaki (4) Tom Florence, Bradley Slater, Tupou Va'ai, Ciarahn Matoe
Tasman (7): Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Sam Moli, Leicester Faingaanuku, Jack Grooby, Rupena Parkinson, Jamie Spowart, [Will Jordan]
Waikato (6) Sosaia Fale, Josh Kaho, Laghlan McWhannell, Xavier Roe, Bailyn Sullivan, Sheldon Tovio
Wellington (4): Xavier Numia, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Carlos Price, Billy Proctor

The ones in bold all played Mitre 10 Cup this year except for Ngani Punivai who played in Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield defence v Wanganui.

[Bovidae]

@98blueandgold

I've heard good things about Matoe. He spent most of the season playing club rugby for Hautapu in the Waikato.

[cgrant]

@number-10 said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@stargazer said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Auckland (11): John Akau'ola-Laula, Rob Cobb, Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa, Ben Sa'u, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Sione Talitui, Wiseguy Faiane, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Tele'a, [Caleb Clarke]
Bay of Plenty (5): Joe Johnson, Tevita Mafileo, Ajay Mua, Ricky Van Der Heyden, Kaleb Trask
Counties (1): Suetena Asomua
Canterbury (5): Tom Christie, Will Tucker, Rameka Poihipi, Ngane Punivai, [ Raymond Nu'u]
Hawke's Bay (5): Jacob Devery, Tim Farrell, Devan Flanders, Danny Toala, [Will Tremain]
Manawatu (2): Sione Asi, Brayden Iose
North Harbour (1): Salyn Tonu'u
Northland (1): Scott Gregory,
Otago (3): Ricky Jackson, Slade McDowall, [Vilimoni Koroi]
Southland (2): Flynn Thomas, Jay Renton
Taranaki (4) Tom Florence, Bradley Slater, Tupou Va'ai, Ciarahn Matoe
Tasman (7): Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Sam Moli, Leicester Faingaanuku, Jack Grooby, Rupena Parkinson, Jamie Spowart, [Will Jordan]
Waikato (6) Sosaia Fale, Josh Kaho, Laghlan McWhannell, Xavier Roe, Bailyn Sullivan, Sheldon Tovio
Wellington (4): Xavier Numia, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Carlos Price, Billy Proctor

The ones in bold all played Mitre 10 Cup this year except for Ngani Punivai who played in Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield defence v Wanganui.

I think Christie has played a few minutes against Tasman during the Mitre 10 Cup final.

[Number 10]

@cgrant

he did too - came on for the last five minutes.

[Rapido]

@number-10 said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@rapido said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@mikedogz said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Who are sons of former Pro players?

Hoskins Sotutu
Salyn Tonu'u?
Rupena Parkinson?

I think I remember a Van Der Heyden for BoP in late 80s / early 90s. Played No8 i think, or may have been a different dutch sounding name?

(not pro then though .......)

I think you're thinking of Steve van der Leeden who was number eight for BOP 1989-1990.
His father Ernest was fullback for BOP 1968.

That's the one.

[Tim]

https://u20rugby.wordpress.com/2017/10/31/new-zealand-u20-2018-development-squad/

[Rapido]

@mikedogz said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

Who are sons of former Pro players?

Hoskins Sotutu
Salyn Tonu'u?
Rupena Parkinson?

Is Will Tremain son of 90s HB player (Simon?) who was the son of Kel?

[Number 10]

Is grandson of Kel, not sure which of Kel's sons is the father.

[Stargazer]

http://www.allblacks.com/News/31775/craig-philpott-appointed-to-expanded-under-20-coaching-role

[Stargazer]

Players selected for the first NZ U20 trial camp in Palmerston-North of the year (starting 8 March 2018)

The camp begins on Thursday with a tight five clinic led by All Blacks scrum guru Mike Cron, before all players assemble for a five-day programme. Two trial teams will be selected to play Hurricanes Development and a Wellington XV on Saturday 10 March.

Philpott said this camp is an important component in building the squad.

“We had these players in camp in December for some testing and to set expectations and goals. This week we get to see how they have progressed over the summer months and really start building towards June."

The squad features several players who had been involved in the 2017 wider squad, while six players have been recognised for their performances in the New Zealand Schools’ campaign late last year.

Selected players:

Auckland (6): John Akau'ola-Laula, Rob Cobb, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa, Ben Sa'u, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Tele'a
Bay of Plenty (5): Joe Johnson, Tevita Mafileo, Jeriah Mua, Stan van den Hoven, Kaleb Trask
Canterbury (5): Tom Christie, Will Tucker, Raymond Nu'u, Rameka Poihipi, Ngane Punivai
Counties Manukau (1): Suetena Asomua
Hawkes Bay (1): Devan Flanders
Manawatu (4): Sione Asi, Brayden Iose, Matene Ruawai, Ueta Tufuga
Northland (1): Scott Gregory
Otago (2): Ricky Jackson, Slade McDowall
Southland (2): Flynn Thomas, Jay Renton
Taranaki (4): Tom Florence, Bradley Slater, Tupou Vaa'i, Ciarahn Matoe
Tasman (6): Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Sam Moli, Leicester Faingaanuku, Jack Grooby, Rupena Parkinson, Jamie Spowart
Waikato (4): Josh Kaho, Xavier Roe, Bailyn Sullivan, Quinn Tupaea
Wellington (5): Xavier Numia, Taine Plumtree, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Carlos Price, Billy Proctor

Not considered due to Super Rugby or Sevens commitments

Caleb Clarke (Blues)
Will Jordan (Crusaders)
Vilimoni Koroi (All Blacks Sevens)

Not considered due to injury

Hawke's Bay (3): Jacob Devery, Tim Farrell, Will Tremain
Waikato (1): Laghlan McWhannell
Bay of Plenty (1): Ajay Mua
Auckland (3): Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Sione Talitui
Waikato (1): Sheldon Tovio

A further camp for the New Zealand Under 20 squad will be held in April, before taking part in the Oceania Tournament on the Gold Coast in April and May. A squad of 28 will be selected to go to the Under 20 World Championship in France from 25 May – 18 June 2017.

http://www.allblacks.com/News/32115/under-20-hopefuls-in-final-push-for-world-cup-squad-selection

[Bovidae]

These squads are always interesting to see where some schoolboy stars end up. A few have moved to other provinces.

I wonder how old Charles Alaimalo is? He might still be a year away from being considered for the U20s.

[Stargazer]

@bovidae said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

These squads are always interesting to see where some schoolboy stars end up. A few have moved to other provinces.

I wonder how old Charles Alaimalo is? He might still be a year away from being considered for the U20s.

Is there a minimum age? There are at least 3 Hawke's Bay players, who were in NZ schools, but missing in the list to my surprise.

[Bovidae]

@stargazer

How old is Flanders?

IIRC they don’t tend to select many 18 yr olds, but if you good enough you are old enough.

[Nepia]

@bovidae said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@stargazer

How old is Flanders?

IIRC they don’t tend to select many 18 yr olds, but if you good enough you are old enough.

He was in NZ Secondary Schools last year so 18/19 I would assume?

[Stargazer]

@nepia said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@bovidae said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@stargazer

How old is Flanders?

IIRC they don’t tend to select many 18 yr olds, but if you good enough you are old enough.

He was in NZ Secondary Schools last year so 18/19 I would assume?

Flanders is 19 (DOB 04/02/1999). Lincoln McClutchie is 18 (DOB 04/12/1999).

I wonder whether there is a cut-off date somewhere in the year? Don't know the DOB of Fakatava and Toala ...

[Bovidae]

Not too many of the NZ schools players are in that player list to attend the U20 camp.

[Stargazer]

@bovidae Yeah, I wonder whether - except for the absolute best players from NZ Schools of the previous year - they are first expected to play the U19 tournament and then will be considered a year later.

[Nogusta]

@stargazer said in 2018 New Zealand U20s:

@bovidae Yeah, I wonder whether - except for the absolute best players from NZ Schools of the previous year - they are first expected to play the U19 tournament and then will be considered a year later.

Yep that's right. Very rare for a NZ Schools player from the previous year make the NZ U20s the next year. Recent exceptions I can think of - 2017 Caleb Clarke, 2016 Dalton Papali'i, Peter Umaga Jensen, Asafo Aumua, Alex Fidow - I'm sure there have been a few others?
Toala went to the Dec camp and was a bit off the pace fitness wise so that maybe might've counted against him? McLutchie will have to bide his time with both Harry Plummer and Ciarahn Matoe in there. Same with Fakatava as there is good depth at halfback - Carlos Price, Xavier Roe, Jay Renton. I'd say Flanders and Mua (Jeriah) would have been brought in for the selectors to have a look with the likes of Mua (AJ), Sotutu and Sione Talitui (Havili) all injured?

[chchfanatic]

Cullen grace has been killing it at the crusaders. Played for the knights last week. Could be a Bolter for mitre 10 Cup

[Tim]

http://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/60597

[Tim]

Under 20 squad named for Oceania Rugby Championship

Forwards: <

John Akau'ola-Laula - Auckland
Suetena Asomua - Counties Manukau
Tom Christie (Captain) - Canterbury
Rob Cobb - Auckland
Devan Flanders - Hawke's Bay
Tom Florence - Taranaki
Ricky Jackson - Otago
Tevita Mafileo - Bay of Plenty
Laghlan McWhannell - Waikato
Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa - Auckland
Bradley Slater - Taranaki
Hoskins Sotutu - Auckland
Flynn Thomas - Southland
Will Tucker - Canterbury
Kaliopasi Uluilakepa - Wellington

Backs:
Leicester Faingaanuku - Tasman
Will Jordan - Tasman
Vilimoni Koroi - Otago
Ciarahn Matoe - Taranaki
Harry Plummer - Auckland
Carlos Price - Wellington
Billy Proctor - Wellington
Ngane Punivai - Canterbury
Jay Renton - Southland
Xavier Roe - Waikato
Bailyn Sullivan - Waikato
Tanielu Tele'a - Auckland
Kaleb Trask - Bay of Plenty

2- 3 players to be named

Players not considered due to Super Rugby commitments

Caleb Clarke - Blues

Players not considered due to injury

Tim Farrell - Hawke's Bay
Brayden Iose - Manawatu
Ajay Mua - Bay of Plenty
Xavier Numia - Wellington
Cameron Suafoa - Auckland
Sheldon Tovio - Waikato

Tevita Mafileo is Sione Mafileo's younger brother, as Billy Proctor is Mike Proctor's.

[Stargazer]

@tim It's a pity that Jeriah Mua didn't make it, but I assume that his situation is similar to that of a lot of last year's Hastings Boys players who are missing from the squad and that he'll also be eligible next year. Only one of them made it, Devan Flanders.

Of the 3 Hawke's Bay players that missed out, I feel most sorry for Tim Farrell, who's one of the most talented NZ props in this age group. Got injured during last year's JWC, and now again a serious injury. Jacob Devery and Will Tremain also injured, although not mentioned.

[KiwiMurph]

Interesting to see Koroi there.

Fitness permitting he will play

Comm Games 7s (mid April)
Oceania U20s (late April early May)
World U20s (late May)
World Cup 7s in San Francisco (July)

Plus who knows if he fits any World 7s Series round into the above calendar.