U20 Rugby Championship 2025
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Quality article from the Southland Tribune on Mika Muliaina.
Plenty of rugby on his schedule for this year. Was close to making the U20s this year. Will tour Japan with the University's side, and will like be apart from the U18s later this year. Big prospect.
Japan bound: Muliaina's jam-packed 2025 rugby year
“They took two 10s away [to South Africa] and they said I was the third. I was close, but I’ve still got another two years [in the age-group].”
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@Mamuka said in U20 Rugby Championship 2025:
Hello guys, what’s going on with New Zealand rugby players? Why don’t they seem to want to play defense anymore? I’m from Georgia, and while we are far behind New Zealand in terms of skill level,but our players are willing to die for every tackle. They play with rush defense, and give it everything.
I don’t understand what has happened to the New Zealanders. Where is all the aggression? Don’t get me wrong—I’m from Georgia, but I’ve been a die-hard All Blacks fan since childhood. It really saddens me to watch New Zealand’s younger players over the past 7–8 years and feel like they’re no better than the top players from any other nation at this level.
Welcome aboard.
I think it’s all about the quick reset / realignment. As a tackler there’s a focus on getting back to your feet as quickly as possible to either contest for the ball or get on the defensive line. So putting your all in every tackle is going to limit that somewhat.
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Has Will Cole done enough to take the starting 10 jersey? Some arguments for and against
While there’s few if any certainties in any age grade team due to the dynamic nature of player development, few would’ve been surprised when Dylan Pledger and Rico Simpson were named as the starting halfback pairing in the first TRC U20 game against Australia last week. Returning players from last year’s U20 campaigns, Pledger and Simpson have formed a potent combination at 9 and 10, and there was little doubt that they would continue their partnership for the 2025 season.
The game against Argentina U20, however, has produced some food for thought. Whenever a team is able to score 75 points, no matter how poor the opposition, it is worthwhile to look at the performance of the first five-eight. Will Cole (Hawke’s Bay, Hurricanes) kicked 8 out of 9 conversions and ran for 76 metres. More importantly, however, he organized a potent attacking backline, which was able to both go through and around the Argentinean defence. Here, I’m going to take a quick look at some of the arguments which could be made for Will Cole’s promotion to the starting 10 jersey against the Junior Boks on May the 11th, as well as the main argument against.
The 1st argument for: goal-kicking
Let me start off with an easy one: Will Cole produced some stunning kicks off the tee, several of which from near the side line.
While any successful kick is valuable in its own right, Cole’s pinpoint conversions came at a crucial time. With the NZ U20s coming off a deflating draw to the Junior Wallabies, the NZ U20s needed confidence and momentum more than anything. Cole’s conversions allowed the Baby Blacks to build a comfortable lead, building in sevens, which gave them confidence to keep pushing in attack. For an age grade side, where ups and downs can be both plentiful as well as difficult to navigate, an efficient goal-kicker can be worth his weight in gold.
The 2nd argument for: connection with Stanley Solomon
A second point in favour of Will Cole is his clear understanding with the most-likely starting fullback, Stanley Solomon. The 10-15 combo for the Hurricanes U20s, Cole and Solomon were able to fluidly interchange roles between each other throughout the first half (Solomon was subbed early in the 2nd half). For example, when Cole would attack the line and end up at the bottom of a ruck somewhere, Solomon would immediately shift to the first five-role, acting as the playmaking option in the boot and as first receiver in the following example:Cole takes the carry
and Solomon immediately takes over as first five
With Cole handy as an attacking option further down the line as well, Solomon would regularly step in as first receiver in phase play, in order to allow Cole to attack in midfield. It provided the added advantage of showcasing Solomon’s game-breaking abilities from first receiver as well, as this 50-22 from the restart shows.
Solomon acts as first receiver
and he perfectly executes the 50-22
Cole and Solomon were able to constantly find each other throughout the first half combining well in attack, while also complementing each other’s skillsets to a tee. Their intuitive understanding of each other’s game presents an option which is worth further developing.
The 3rd argument for: staying within structure
The third and final argument for selecting Will Cole as the starting 10 might be the most intriguing one. Noted rugby journalists/analysts Charlie Morgan and Nick Bishop both wrote (excellent) pieces on Fin Smith’s masterclass against Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final. [for those articles, see: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2025/05/04/fin-smith-saints-shout-for-lions-10-shirt-now-deafening/; and https://www.rugbypass.com/plus/why-the-curse-of-the-bambino-is-still-stronger-than-ever-at-leinster/]Both writers emphasized Smith’s ability to “stay within the attacking system longer”, by which they meant that Smith didn’t fall into the defensive trap of the Nienaber blitz to go wide too early. Instead, Smith remained patient, outlasting the Leinster defensive reads and only pulling the trigger on attack when everything had fallen into place.
This framework is interesting to take a closer look at Will Cole’s game, as patience seems like an apt term to apply to his own performance. When I wrote a first draft on a small review of the NZ U20s game against the Junior Wallabies, the word ‘patience’, and more specifically the lack of it, stood at the very centre of the text. The breakdown, wide attack, kicking game and set-piece were all marked by a lack of patience, leading to a high turnover rate, mental fatigue and, eventually, a collective collapse.
The game against Argentina marked a significant departure from this first game, with Will Cole playing a considerable part in this reversal. Central to this was his decision-making with and without the ball. A first aspect which needs to be noted is that Cole didn’t stretch the attack beyond his own control. When the attacking line became too thin and the support was losing its connection to the ball, Cole would not continue shifting the ball out wide. Instead, he would often take the ball into contact, making sure to step back inside towards his support while also using footwork in order to avoid being turned over. This way, he would buy the attack some time after which they could start again, without being turned over, not losing momentum through an Argentina defensive win.
Cole actively steps towards his support
The NZ U20 attacking structure is built on variation and possession, attacking different areas of the defence. Keeping possession, in other words, is crucial and Cole showed that he was more than capable of doing this.
Another way in which Will Cole remained within the attacking structure was through building an attack across multiple phases. The second NZ U20 score in the 15th minute is an excellent example of this. With the Argentinean defence inside their own 22 set and organised, Cole first directs the attack to go through the middle, using multiple forward carries through the heart of the Argentina defence. His goal here is to tighten up their defence, bringing the Argentina defenders closer together, while simultaneously organising numbers on the right for a strike on the edge.
Cole can be seen here, barking orders for another forward carryWhen the Argentine defence is eventually sufficiently contracted with plenty of defenders sucked into the middle through forward carries, Cole calls for the wide attack.
With ample numbers on attack and a defence focused on the middle, a series of simple draw-and-passes is sufficient to overcome the Argentina defence, a good example of patience and organisation in attack.
Throughout the first half, Cole was continuously concerned with attacking areas which the Argentina defence wasn’t anticipating. For the third score, for example, with numbers outside him near the Argentina 22, Cole stepped back inside in order to attack the line rather than move the ball wide. As Argentina had just conceded a try on the edge, their defence was now looking for a dominant defensive collision on the outside, with several defenders aggressively moving towards the side line.
Cole using the defence's anticipation against them
Cole, by stepping back inside and attacking the line, moves the NZ attack back to the middle. In the next two phases, the Baby Blacks would score again, several tight forwards combining through a neglected Argentina middle, with Tengblad eventually touching down.
The Argentina focus on the edge leaves the middle exposed
The value of Cole’s patience can be further emphasized by contrasting these examples with Rico Simpson’s appearance off the bench. Simpson is a prodigiously talented first five but he can display an occasional lack of patience on attack. Simpson moved into the 10 position when coming on, with Cole shifting to fullback. We don’t have to wait very long for this lack of patience to come to the fore: in the 60th minute, with the NZ U20s hot on attack after a Tayne Harvey line-break, this is the picture when the ball comes into Simpson’s hands:
Simpson has three players on his outside, with only two Argentine defenders in front, rushing up. He can either (1) play a long ball immediately, before the opposition defenders get in his passing lane, or (2) he can attack the line and use a short pass or a dummy to take the carry himself. Instead, Simpson does neither, closing the space between himself and the defenders by moving forward while still looking to throw the long pass. Inevitably, the ball is easily intercepted.
There is little doubt in my mind that Cole is a more conservative player, which, to be clear, can also have its downsides. But in a side like the NZ U20s, where you have so much attacking weapons at your disposal, a case can be made that a safe option at 10 is highly valuable, if it allows you to retain possession and keep building your attack.
In the scenario above, for example, I’d imagine that Cole would choose either the short passing-option or to take the contact himself. And while this most likely wouldn’t have immediately led to a try, with the way the game was flowing, chances were high that other opportunities would appear, which could've been finished through a patient approach. Cole’s ability, in other words, to “stay within the attacking system for longer”, makes him an appealing choice for the 10 jersey.
The main argument against: the value of combinations
If there is a main argument to be made against Cole starting against the Junior Boks – besides the argument that the Argentinean opposition was poor, which is also a valid point – it’s that Cole played with Sinton and Tamati as his 9s. There’s very little chance of either starting against the Junior Boks, which makes Simpson’s combination with Pledger the most likely halfback-pairing to start the game.Haig and the other coaches will, however, be looking for opportunities to look at the pairing of Pledger and Cole, and see whether it could be something worth exploring with an eye towards the U20 World Cup. It’s now up to Rico Simpson to show that he can combine his attacking finesse with a more secure possession game, and match the qualities that a first five like Will Cole brings. If he can do so, not only will it elevate his own game, but it will make the 2025 NZ U20s a truly dangerous side.
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Fuck me
Chapeau
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There will also be some 50/50 selections in other positions. In particular, who will be the other starting lock (Treacy could be used at lock or 6), the openside, and midfield partner to Roberts. Common sense and form says you start Oudenryn at hooker but Letiu is the captain. I am expecting changes for the WC if the injured and sevens players are available. That immediately makes the XV stronger.
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@Mauss i would argue the main reason against is his defence. His boot and somewhat his running game has always got him into good places but when push comes to shove his tackling resembles that of a nervous 1st 5 playing college rugby.
You dont have to go back far to see this with the Canes U20s. Frequently he was targeted and frequently he was run through or he went for a jersey pull and missed.
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@Left-Right-Out-0 said in U20 Rugby Championship 2025:
@Mauss i would argue the main reason against is his defence. His boot and somewhat his running game has always got him into good places but when push comes to shove his tackling resembles that of a nervous 1st 5 playing college rugby.
You dont have to go back far to see this with the Canes U20s. Frequently he was targeted and frequently he was run through or he went for a jersey pull and missed.
I did see him fall off a few tackles in this game but I must admit that I didn't think his defence was all that terrible. He showed physical commitment, especially in the tackle assist, and even contested a few breakdowns when the opportunity arose. It doesn't look to me like he's scared of the physical contact (which is a good start when it comes to first fives on defence).
Now, I'm only basing this on the one game (again, I don't have the SR U20 games available to me) so his defence might very well become exposed in another game. But then again, the NZ U20s barely had to make a tackle against Argentina U20s because Cole's organisation of the possession game was so effective.
If the old adage is true - "the best defence is good offence" - then you could say that Cole's attacking contributions outweigh his limitations in the tackle. Either way, I'm still expecting Simpson to start against the Junior Boks so the point is a bit moot.
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The New Zealand Men’s Under 20 team v South Africa at 4:10 PM SAST on Sunday 11 May (2:10 AM NZT, Monday 12 May).
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Sika Pole
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Manumaua Letiu (c)
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Robson Faleafā
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Xavier Treacy
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Josh Tengblad
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Finn McLeod
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Caleb Woodley
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Mosese Bason (vc)
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Dylan Pledger (vc)
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Will Cole
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David Lewai
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Harlyn Saunoa
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Jack Wiseman
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Maloni Kunawave
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Stanley Solomon (vc)
Reserves:
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Eli Odenryn
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Tamiano Ahloo
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Dane Johnston
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Randall Baker
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Micah Fale
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Charlie Sinton
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Rico Simpson
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Tayne Harvey
Fans in New Zealand can watch the match live on Sky Sport, with highlights available post-match on NZR+ and the All Blacks YouTube channel.
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@Bovidae said in U20 Rugby Championship 2025:
The backline isn't correct.
I thought it was odd that Saunoa was in the midfield. The All Blacks website not to be trusted!
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Some interesting choices in that lineup. Both Letiu and Faleafā are probably lucky to return to the starting side, both Oudenryn and Tofilau performed very well in the previous game. Speaking of Tofilau, is he injured? I'd expect him to be involved in this game otherwise, I thought he was the best performing prop of the first two games.
The breakdown went a lot better in the Argentina game so it makes sense that the back five of the scrum remains the same. I thought Treacy, Tengblad and McLeod went very well together. It's good that Baker is back, though, for more starch in the pack later on. Eti hasn't gotten a lot of game time in this tournament. Hopefully he gets another chance somewhere down the line.
They went earlier with the Pledger/Cole-combination than I thought. Should be a good test for Cole to see whether he can be as effective against a side which is going to be much more physical.
The midfield hasn't really convinced so far, it's been a very mixed bag in my view. Tayne Harvey had some excellent moments against Argentina but some real brain fades as well. Wiseman was industrious against the Junior Wallabies but not always that impactful. Roberts does look to be growing in confidence so it's good that he retains his place. But they could use some reinforcements for the World Cup, like James Cameron and Frank Vaenuku.
I think it's a very hard game to call. The Junior Boks have a very good record against the NZ U20s at this level, both because (1) styles make fights, and (2) the Junior Boks have rarely played against vintage NZ U20 sides. The SA U20s will also be looking to make a statement after their own collapse against the Junior Wallabies. Should be a good game!
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The Junior Bok team has also been announced:
Junior Boks geared for massive New Zealand clash
The Junior Springboks are motivated and determined to finish the U20 Rugby Championship on a positive note when they face New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday.
It's a mixture of the first two games but important returnees from the first game are Matt Romao at blindside, Albie Bester at 12, and Gilermo Mentoe at 15, all selections which do improve the team (I like Malgas but either at 10 or 13, not particularly at 12 like he was against the Junior Wallabies).
Moyo is retained at 10 but seems likely to have been instructed to kick less, or at least, to not kick as long as he did against Argentina. Foote refers to "kicking patterns [which] were out of character", so I presume he just means that they need to kick less for territory and attack when the space is available.
The job for the NZ U20s seems relatively straighforward: kick smartly so as to not give that back 3 easy counter-attacking opportunities; set a stable lineout platform; and put the Junior Bok skillset under as much pressure as possible. That means double tackles, both low and around the torso, so as to make the offload and passing options more difficult.
I think the NZ scrum is likely to get smashed but if they can get those other things right, they should be in with a decent chance.
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Game day updates ahead of our final game against South Africa U20s
Out:
Tamiano Ahloo (injured)
Dylan Pledger (illness)In:
Riley Tofilau at 3
Charlie Sinton at 9
Dane Johnston moves to 17
Robson Faleafā moves to 18
Jai Tamati at 21Live at 2am NZST on Sky Sport. 📺
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Jeez looked like the South African ducked a bit into that one. I would call that mitigation.
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I don't know why I bother watching rugby sometimes. NZ down to 13.
