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Rugby Union
International Test Matches
2014 Junior World Championship - June 2 to 20
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 654005" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>This is the first time I've seen this Irish side in the tournament, and I agree there were certainly some good signs. The Irish scrum completely dominated the NZ pack (though to be fair that isn't much of a challenge), and I thought both props looked pretty handy around the park. It was some of the backs though that really impressed me. Ringrose looked very classy at centre (and strong defender), while both Gaffney and Kelleher looked very elusive outside (Kelleher in particular). I understand Gaffney and Ringrose are available again next year.</p><p></p><p>Overall it was a very mixed tournament for the NZ side. There were quite a few moments of brilliance, though these were overshadowed in some ways by numerous moments of stupidity. The forwards struggled most match (particularity at the scrum), which is a major concern. </p><p></p><p>The pick of the forwards for me were Tucker, Harris, and Sanders. Tucker needs to work on his discipline but he is a very strong ball runner (and a good lineout option). Both Harris and Sanders may need to add a few kgs but they had big work-rates, where strong on defense, and looked pretty handy with ball in hand. Unfortunately none of these standouts will be available next year. I was pretty disappointed in Peni - he is massive and powerful but his work-rate is poor, and he takes a long time to get up to speed. Kolomatangi, Cridge, and Moli (of our starters) are available again next year.</p><p></p><p>There were plenty of strong performances in our backline. Drummond probably did ok at halfback given the poor ball he consistently received. Hickey struggled at 10, and I do feel his injury was actually a bonus for NZ. Mo'unga looked a lot better at 10. He is an excellent ball runner, and showed some quite good composure at times too. Our midfield wasn't quite as impressive as I had hoped. The were all solid, but none really stood-out in my opinion. Faiane and Lienert-Brown will be back next season though, so will only be better for the experience.</p><p></p><p>Tevita Li was brilliant. In space he is almost unstoppable, as he seems to be able to change direction at full pace, and is incredibly powerful. Tavae-Aso didn't get as many chances but impressed too. McKenzie does need to bulk up a lot but he is brilliant under the high ball and incredibly elusive with ball in hand. Li, Tavae-Aso, and McKenzie are all back next season, and should be even more dangerous then (though McKenzie may play 10).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 654005, member: 24910"] This is the first time I've seen this Irish side in the tournament, and I agree there were certainly some good signs. The Irish scrum completely dominated the NZ pack (though to be fair that isn't much of a challenge), and I thought both props looked pretty handy around the park. It was some of the backs though that really impressed me. Ringrose looked very classy at centre (and strong defender), while both Gaffney and Kelleher looked very elusive outside (Kelleher in particular). I understand Gaffney and Ringrose are available again next year. Overall it was a very mixed tournament for the NZ side. There were quite a few moments of brilliance, though these were overshadowed in some ways by numerous moments of stupidity. The forwards struggled most match (particularity at the scrum), which is a major concern. The pick of the forwards for me were Tucker, Harris, and Sanders. Tucker needs to work on his discipline but he is a very strong ball runner (and a good lineout option). Both Harris and Sanders may need to add a few kgs but they had big work-rates, where strong on defense, and looked pretty handy with ball in hand. Unfortunately none of these standouts will be available next year. I was pretty disappointed in Peni - he is massive and powerful but his work-rate is poor, and he takes a long time to get up to speed. Kolomatangi, Cridge, and Moli (of our starters) are available again next year. There were plenty of strong performances in our backline. Drummond probably did ok at halfback given the poor ball he consistently received. Hickey struggled at 10, and I do feel his injury was actually a bonus for NZ. Mo'unga looked a lot better at 10. He is an excellent ball runner, and showed some quite good composure at times too. Our midfield wasn't quite as impressive as I had hoped. The were all solid, but none really stood-out in my opinion. Faiane and Lienert-Brown will be back next season though, so will only be better for the experience. Tevita Li was brilliant. In space he is almost unstoppable, as he seems to be able to change direction at full pace, and is incredibly powerful. Tavae-Aso didn't get as many chances but impressed too. McKenzie does need to bulk up a lot but he is brilliant under the high ball and incredibly elusive with ball in hand. Li, Tavae-Aso, and McKenzie are all back next season, and should be even more dangerous then (though McKenzie may play 10). [/QUOTE]
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2014 Junior World Championship - June 2 to 20
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