2014 U20 Six Nations

[dullonien]

Great win for Wales. Forwards were excellent.

 

[SelimNiai]

That kick from Wales in the first half was insane, when he aimed 10yds outside the posts and the wind threw it in.
The Wales forwards definitely went in to 'beast mode' in that game though, was very impressed with the youngsters, and looks like there may be replacements for out front row.
There was some horrific passing by the Irish kids. Was unbelievable at one point in the second half, where the ball just seemed to be thrown in a random direction, hoping there would be someone to catch it (and if they did, it turned into a hospital pass).

How the heck do I insert a gif?
This is a link to a gif of that crazy kick...

http://gfycat.com/RichCloseGerbil

Insane kick, on a par with;



Great effort from the lads, worried those missed kicks would come to haunt but they stepped it up, dominated the scrums and defended brilliantly

 

[ruggabee]

And this!

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

England u20 33 - 9 Ireland u20
England were far more clinical than Ireland and deserved their win even if the scoreline flattered them. The away team had a lot of possession in and around their opponent's 22 but lacked composure.

Being a one-eyed Paddy, I only really took note of the Irish performances. Peter Dooley was excellent, Ross Byrne looked very composed, Peter Robb trucked it up well and Adam Byrne showed flashes of ability in attack.The scrum was top notch for the second time in three games. I'm guessing the Welsh scrum is ridiculously strong.

I don't like criticizing age-grade players by name so won't go down that route but it's fair to say a couple of players weren't great. I don't think this is a particularly strong Ireland age group and would like to see some players brought into the team. Sean O'Hagan (at 12) and Billy Dardis (at 15) could add an attacking dimension that's missing. In the pack I think Rory Moloney has the ability to go further and as such, fast tracking him into the backrow could have better long term implications for him than persisting with guys who may peak at u20 level. Maybe a team like this could be tried in the interest of developing more options ahead of the JWC?:
Billy Dardis, Adam Byrne, Harrison Brewer, Sean O'Hagan, David Busby, Ross Byrne, Jack Cullen, Peter Dooley, Max Abbott, Rory Burke, Sean O'Brien, Ross Molony, Dan Leavy, Rory Moloney, Jack O'Donoghue

 

[dullonien]

The scrum was top notch for the second time in three games. I'm guessing the Welsh scrum is ridiculously strong.

Only saw the first half of the Wales v France game, but Wales were being battered in the scrum in that one. Maybe its just that the French scrum is another level up again.

 

[Cartersos]

Watched this last night. The England second row, Maro itoje, looks like he is going to be some player. What a physical specimen, good hands as well.
Heard others mention him before, but he is super freaky for his age. Looking forward to watching him progress..... He's scored something like 3 tries in three games for the under 20's not bad for a lock!

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Didn't watch this how did Harry Thacker play?

 

[Big Ewis]

man, should we just exchange PSA for Galthié or smt ??...

 

[ratsapprentice]

Yeah, I've been saying it for about a year* - Itoje will be brought into the EPS after the RWC.
He's seriously good - a lot like Launchbury but probably a better athlete.
It will be interesting to see how big he gets - because he's already massive but it looks like that's mainly his natural size.
I guess it depends on whether he stays as a lock or moves to 6.

*Sorry to be a know-it-all ****.

Thacker looked as energetic as usual - and still looked absolutely tiny even amongst the smaller U20's (I know the U20's aren't that much smaller).
I do think he may be one of the few players who really is too small. He's nearly an inch shorter than Tom Youngs.
Good luck to the lad but it's going to be tough at senior level!

 

[Cartersos]

As rats says, I wasn't overly impressed. Think he got subbed of after about 55 minutes if I remember rightly? I was more impressed by his replacement tbh.
i know he's stacked a lot of size on since coming through the academy,(see pic)but it depends on how much more he can stick on his small frame.
I know the Coaching staff at leicester are expecting big things from him and he's supposed to be really skillful with ball in hand. Iv always thought he's done ok when coming on for tigers.

 

[Cartersos]

Apologies that pic didn't come out as expected! Will have to work out a way to upload when I finish work later

 

[ratsapprentice]

He's clearly a good player - very quick and eager, but his size does handicap him somewhat.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

his size is his main thing, but when I have seen him in the LV cup and against Wuss in a brief cameo. he looks a really prospect.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Size becomes significantly more important the higher up the ladder you go.
Can't think of any 5'6" forwards playing Heineken cup or international Union.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Anyone watching England vs Wales?
We are absolutely dominating. Wales have the upper hand in the scrum (their tighthead and hooker are scrummaging very well) but we're smashing them everywhere else.

38 - 0 at halftime!

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

...Isn't the scrum going well?

 

[Maverick1987]

Anyone watching England vs Wales?
We are absolutely dominating. Wales have the upper hand in the scrum (their tighthead and hooker are scrummaging very well) but we're smashing them everywhere else.

38 - 0 at halftime!

I hope I'm this calm at half time on Sunday ! Lol

 

[Maverick1987]

Zach Kibirige ! Great try he look about 35 mind !!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Was wondering whether we'd top 50, now I'm wondering whether we'll hit 75!

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Got it on record how is Thacker looking?