U20 6 nations 2016

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Callard needs to go.

Thacker, Walker, Chick, Protheroe (at times) were impressive from England.

But too many backs trying to make a highlight reel IMO.

Scotland have some huge talent coming up.

 

[CaledonCol]

Scotland U 20 win 24 - 6 ! Great performance and sets the scene for tomorrow !

 

[Peat]

Congratulations Scotland :mellow:

Ah give over, never a dive. Not a penalty or card though.

What minute was it?

Only other person I've seen mention it so far was an English guy who thought it was a pretty outrageous dive.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

James Ryan was very impressive for Ireland. If John Poland can cut out a few mistakes, he too looks a quality option in years to come. Thought Adam McBurney was the best of the rest.

 

[corny]

Isn't that the first time Scotland have between England at this age grade? ie since it became U20's

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

Isn't that the first time Scotland have between England at this age grade? ie since it became U20's

Yep it was.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

James Ryan was very impressive for Ireland. If John Poland can cut out a few mistakes, he too looks a quality option in years to come. Thought Adam McBurney was the best of the rest.

Poland didn't do the core 9 roles well enough for me, Will Conners was a standout, if he can improve his ground game he could go far. The team quite obviously lacks a 10, I think McPhillips' primary position is 15? Back three could do with a reshuffle and we do have options there.

 

[Peat]

McPhillips was mostly a 15 at school (I think) but Ulster seem to want him developed as a 10. Done well enough for the Ravens. Very young (still only 18) so hope this stands to him.

Impression I've got from the online discussions is that a fit Bill Johnston would be starting 10; him, Kiernan and Arnold all missing through injury and Stockdale kept behind for Ulster duties is a pretty big bite out of the presumed first choice back line.

 

[corny]

McPhillips really didn't fancy the tackle all night. Has to address that.

 

[Irish boy]

Wouldn't say it's an excuse but England are missing their starting 10 and 12 because there both needed here

 

[gaston le gaff]

France stroll to 40-3 victory 6 tries, look very good but a little light upfront and could struggle against England who normally have a solid well organised pack, but they played some good running rugby with a winger who was lightening. Good first game but neeed to improve v the stronger teams to come.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Poland didn't do the core 9 roles well enough for me, Will Conners was a standout, if he can improve his ground game he could go far. The team quite obviously lacks a 10, I think McPhillips' primary position is 15? Back three could do with a reshuffle and we do have options there.

Poland made mistakes. Clearance kicks lacked accuracy, had the ball pinched from the back of a ruck because he wasn't paying attention and the intercept being quite obvious. What I liked was his pass was mostly snappy, he covered well and he was always available for the pass when a break was made. His errors can be worked on and I thought his positives make him one to watch.

Johnny McPhillips had some nice touches early on but it's fair to say it wasn't his best game. With time on the ball he looked like he had something about him (good step and a quality cross kick early on) but it seemed to me he needs to get used to playing under pressure. That will come with more experience at 10 and still has another year at this age grade.

I don't think it's Ireland's most talented age grade team but there are a few players worth keeping an eye on with one real standout.

 

[profitius]

I don't think it's Ireland's most talented age grade team but there are a few players worth keeping an eye on with one real standout.

I presume you're talking about James Ryan? Some player he is going to be. Will be playing with Leinsters first team next season.

Poland made a few mistakes alright but he was under incredible pressure. Every ruck was a battle to get the ball as Ireland couldn't deal with the physicality of the Welsh and they were all over Poland. One thing he does have is speed and a good pass. The pass is the main thing and speed is a bonus.

The kicking in general from Ireland was awful. Caroland said he just wants them to goi out and play unstructured rugby. Well they should at least practice clearing kicks.

McBurney was the other forward who stood out along with Connors. Connors and Ryan were offloading like SBW.

The Welsh will be very hard to beat. They're like a professional team, physically. Some very big lads playing with them. It's like Gatland was the coach!

 

[munstermuffin]

McPhillips was mostly a 15 at school (I think) but Ulster seem to want him developed as a 10. Done well enough for the Ravens. Very young (still only 18) so hope this stands to him.

Impression I've got from the online discussions is that a fit Bill Johnston would be starting 10; him, Kiernan and Arnold all missing through injury and Stockdale kept behind for Ulster duties is a pretty big bite out of the presumed first choice back line.

Bill Johnston is a superb prospect but for some reason I think he will end up at 12 in time.

 

[dullonien]

Impressive win by Wales. The forwards were excellent for the most part. Good basics from them, and they competed very well at the ruck.

Backline wasn't quite as impressive, but the halfbacks looked assured, and the wingers looked dangerous on the ball. I'd expect Owen Watkin to grow as the tournament progresses.

Defensively, they could sure things up a bit around the fringes, Ireland managed to make numerous half breaks in those areas, with their offloading game causing us trouble. Scramble defence was excellent though.

They could have a good shot of the championship this year especially after such a poor start from England, and French pack not as massive as they have been in recent years.

 

[profitius]

Bill Johnston is a superb prospect but for some reason I think he will end up at 12 in time.

Why is he lacking something to play 10?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I presume you're talking about James Ryan? Some player he is going to be. Will be playing with Leinsters first team next season.

Yeah, I was talking about James Ryan. Give him a good forwards or skills coach who can teach him about body height in all phases and he could be special. He carried really well, covered impressively defensively is pretty quick and showed good off loading. Didn't really notice him in the lineout but that area went well. Backed his team to score a try from a 5mt lineout when there were an easy 3 points on offer and was rewarded.

Poland made a few mistakes alright but he was under incredible pressure. Every ruck was a battle to get the ball as Ireland couldn't deal with the physicality of the Welsh and they were all over Poland. One thing he does have is speed and a good pass. The pass is the main thing and speed is a bonus.

That's how I saw it too. Cutting out the mistakes he made is coachable. He showed the raw materials to make it to my untrained eye.

 

[munstermuffin]

Why is he lacking something to play 10?

I think he has all tools but the quick thinking and vision will be where he needs improvement

 

[Chistera]

France stroll to 40-3 victory 6 tries, look very good but a little light upfront and could struggle against England who normally have a solid well organised pack, but they played some good running rugby with a winger who was lightening. Good first game but neeed to improve v the stronger teams to come.

We're definitely paying more attention to it as some players who were in the u20s last year or the year before are already with the senior French squad now (Chat, Camara, Jedrasiak). Especially looking at players like Dupont (Castres scrumhalf), Cancoriet (Clermont flank) and others as they could feature with the seniors sooner than expected.
Scotland's victory was impressive for sure, happy that they have some talent coming, with Cotter at the helm they could really establish themselves as long term contenders for the 6 nations.

 

[gaston le gaff]

We're definitely paying more attention to it as some players who were in the u20s last year or the year before are already with the senior French squad now (Chat, Camara, Jedrasiak). Especially looking at players like Dupont (Castres scrumhalf), Cancoriet (Clermont flank) and others as they could feature with the seniors sooner than expected.
Scotland's victory was impressive for sure, happy that they have some talent coming, with Cotter at the helm they could really establish themselves as long term contenders for the 6 nations.

Why are you saying this???? did you not know that here is NO young talent in France all we have is old tired Frenchmen and SH players!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Noves selections are just showing how much talent there really is given the chance, and i think he is an very canny coach, you will always get more from the youngsters than a seasoned old pro., although you can't buy experience and that did show a little even a lot in last Sats game.