NPR

Often much more entertaining than the older guys, who've had all the glitz & ambition coached out of them

It's pretty lame that the first two games clash with the senior Ireland - France match and also nonsensical. A great way to minimise the audience.

sockwithaticket wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:26 am It's pretty lame that the first two games clash with the senior Ireland - France match and also nonsensical. A great way to minimise the audience.

Well at least it's easier to watch the U20s games later on youtube of via iplayer etc, but the French insistence on having matches on Friday night is the problem. I'd prefer to just let the U20s have Friday to themselves

England team for Italy. Some boys with Premiership experience this season there and good to see Kpokudecide to go with England rather than FRance

England U20s (versus Italy – Friday, 7:15pm, Treviso)
15. Ben Redshaw (Newcastle Falcons)
14. Toby Cousins (Northampton Saints) *
13. Ben Waghorn (Harlequins) *
12. Sean Kerr (Harlequins)
11. Alex Wills (Sale Sharks) *
10. Rory Taylor (Gloucester Rugby)
9. Archie McParland (Northampton Saints)
1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks) *
2. Craig Wright (Northampton Saints) *
3. Billy Sela (Bath Rugby)
4. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens)
5. Junior Kpoku (Racing 92)
6. Finn Carnduff (capt) (Leicester Tigers) *
7. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
8. Zach Carr (Harlequins) *

Replacements:
16. Jacob Oliver (Newcastle Falcons)
17. Scott Kirk (Bath Rugby)
18. James Halliwell (Bristol Bears) *
19. Joe Bailey (Exeter Chiefs) *
20. Nathan Michelow (Saracens) *
21. Ben Douglas (Newcastle Falcons)
22. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins)
23. Ollie Spencer (Newcastle)
* denotes player previously capped at U20 level

French selection is a bit weakened as some World cup winners are at their clubs :(

the group is as follow :

Groupe France
AVANTS
AMETLLA Léo (RC Toulon)
AOUAD Zinedine (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)
BOUARE Adam-Mountaga (Montpellier HR)
CASTRO FERREIRA Mathis (Stade Toulousain)
CORSO Antonin (Oyonnax Rugby)
COULY Robin (ASM Clermont Auvergne)
DUCHÊNE Thomas (ASM Clermont Auvergne)
GAMBINI Charly (Provence Rugby)
JULIEN Lino (Racing 92)
MASSA Barnabé (FC Grenoble)
MÉZOU Corentin (RC Toulon)
PERRIN Maël (Montpellier HR)
QUERE KARABA Joé (RC Toulon)
TUIFUA Patrick (Hawke’s Bay Magpies)
ZINZEN Noa (Racing 92)
Suite au contexte sportif et aux blessures, Marko GAZZOTTI restera finalement dans le groupe de l’Union Bordeaux-Bègles. Il est remplacé numériquement par Maël PERRIN (Montpellier HR).

ARRIÈRES
ARFEUIL Grégoire (Section Paloise)
BIASOTTO Maxence (CA Brive)
BOSMORIN Hoani (Stade Rochelais)
CARBONNEAU Léo (CA Brive)
DESPERES Axel (Section Paloise)
FERTÉ Mathis (CA Brive)
MOUSQUES Xan (Aviron Bayonnais)
NENE Noah (Stade Français)
RAFFY Tom (CA Brive)
SOUVERBIE Thomas (Section Paloise)
TACCOLA Robin (RC Vannes)

Scotland U20 team to face Wales U20 on Friday 2 February at Stadiwm CSM, Colwyn Bay (kick off 6.45pm, live on BBC iPlayer)

15. Fergus Watson* (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Kerr Johnston* (Glasgow Warriors)
13. Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders/Brunel University) – Vice Captain
12. Kerr Yule* (Glasgow Warriors)
11. Amena Caqusau* (Glasgow Warriors)

10. Isaac Coates* (Edinburgh Rugby)
9. Murdoch Lock (Bath Rugby/Bath University)

1. Robbie Deans* (Edinburgh Rugby)
2. Elliot Young (Exeter Chiefs/Exeter University)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty* (Edinburgh Rugby)
4. Euan McVie* (Edinburgh Rugby)
5. Ruaraidh Hart* (Glasgow Warriors) – Vice Captain
6. Liam McConnell* (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain
7. Freddy Douglas* (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Tom Currie* (Edinburgh Rugby)



Replacements

16. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty* (Edinburgh Rugby)
17. Alex O’Driscoll (Saracens/Loughborough University)
18. Callum Norrie* (Glasgow Warriors)
19. Archie Clarke (Durham University)
20. Monroe Job (Southern Knights)
21. Jonny Morris* (Glasgow Warriors)
22. Eric Davey (Stirling Wolves)
23. Jack Hocking* (Edinburgh Rugby)

*FOSROC Scottish Rugby Contracted Academy Player

I would imagine that names like Sean Kerr and Finn Carnduff ensure the SRU continue to keep an eye on Eng U20s rugby.

Irish Team named; POC's nephew has been named captain for the 6N

Ireland U20s:

15. Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)
14. Finn Treacy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
13. Wilhelm de Klerk (UCD RFC/Leinster)
12. Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
11. Hugo McLaughlin (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
10. Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
9. Oliver Coffey (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)

1. Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
2. Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)
3. Andrew Sparrow (UCD RFC/Leinster)
4. Alan Spicer (UCD RFC/Leinster)
5. Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster) (capt)
6. Joe Hopes (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
7. Bryn Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
8. Brian Gleeson (Garryowen FC/Munster)

Replacements:

16. Henry Walker (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
17. Ben Howard (Terenure College RFC/Leinster)
18. Jacob Boyd (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
19. Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
20. Luke Murphy (Shannon RFC/Munster)
21. Tadhg Brophy (Naas RFC/Leinster)
22. Sean Naughton (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
23. Ethan Graham (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster).

https://www.irishrugby.ie/2024/02/01/mu ... in-france/

sockwithaticket wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:26 am It's pretty lame that the first two games clash with the senior Ireland - France match and also nonsensical. A great way to minimise the audience.

Only just spotted that myself.

Will probably watch the first half of the U20s, then pause it and switch to France/Ireland.

U20s should be interesting though. Plenty of talent in that England team, especially up front. Look out for Cousins on the wing though. Looks about ten years older than he is and absolutely doesn't look to have the physic to shift as fast as he does.

Italy have been decent recently at age grade though, so will be interesting to see how this year's crop stacks up.

Asher Opoku-Fordjour not being played at tighthead. Sigh.

Speaking of tightheads, Scotland’s Ollie Blyth-Lafferty is 18 years old and still qualifies for the U18s, he comes into this tournament at over 130kg. Scotland’s starting tighthead in the men’s team is listed at 125kg

Ridiculous

Tichtheid wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:01 am Speaking of tightheads, Scotland’s Ollie Blyth-Lafferty is 18 years old and still qualifies for the U18s, he comes into this tournament at over 130kg. Scotland’s starting tighthead in the men’s team is listed at 125kg

Ridiculous

I'm quite excited about this group. I expect we will finish 5th or 6th again, that's unlikely to change any time soon, but I think we might be back to having 4 or 5 future full caps in the side which is where we were previously.

Yule, Caqusau, Blyth-Lafferty and McConnell in particular all have top reputations. I've not seen (the younger) Blyth-Lafferty play but the rest were all very good in Super6.

Margin__Walker wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:19 am

sockwithaticket wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:26 am It's pretty lame that the first two games clash with the senior Ireland - France match and also nonsensical. A great way to minimise the audience.

Only just spotted that myself.

Will probably watch the first half of the U20s, then pause it and switch to France/Ireland.

U20s should be interesting though. Plenty of talent in that England team, especially up front. Look out for Cousins on the wing though. Looks about ten years older than he is and absolutely doesn't look to have the physic to shift as fast as he does.

Italy have been decent recently at age grade though, so will be interesting to see how this year's crop stacks up.

U20s on the laptop, France on the tv

Ovals wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:44 pm

Margin__Walker wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:19 am

sockwithaticket wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:26 am It's pretty lame that the first two games clash with the senior Ireland - France match and also nonsensical. A great way to minimise the audience.

Only just spotted that myself.

Will probably watch the first half of the U20s, then pause it and switch to France/Ireland.

U20s should be interesting though. Plenty of talent in that England team, especially up front. Look out for Cousins on the wing though. Looks about ten years older than he is and absolutely doesn't look to have the physic to shift as fast as he does.

Italy have been decent recently at age grade though, so will be interesting to see how this year's crop stacks up.

U20s on the laptop, France on the tv

That's the plan!

sturginho wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:12 pm

Ovals wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:44 pm

Margin__Walker wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:19 am

Only just spotted that myself.

Will probably watch the first half of the U20s, then pause it and switch to France/Ireland.

U20s should be interesting though. Plenty of talent in that England team, especially up front. Look out for Cousins on the wing though. Looks about ten years older than he is and absolutely doesn't look to have the physic to shift as fast as he does.

Italy have been decent recently at age grade though, so will be interesting to see how this year's crop stacks up.

U20s on the laptop, France on the tv

That's the plan!

Where are these being streamed live?

SaintK wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:16 pm

sturginho wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:12 pm

Ovals wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:44 pm

U20s on the laptop, France on the tv

That's the plan!

Where are these being streamed live?

iplayer, BBC Red Button,& S4C for the Scot v Wales game

[Edit] I forgot the BBC Sports Webpage

fishfoodie wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:30 pm

SaintK wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:16 pm

sturginho wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:12 pm

That's the plan!

Where are these being streamed live?

iplayer, BBC Red Button,& S4C for the Scot v Wales game

[Edit] I forgot the BBC Sports Webpage

Thanks

Scotland U20s pack seem to have the beating of the Welsh kids (in the set piece at least). Beasted them in the scrum then a 20m+ rolling maul for a try.

Edit: maybe not so much in the lineout. Scotland errors keeping Wales in the game.

SaintK wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:37 pm

fishfoodie wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:30 pm

SaintK wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:16 pm
Where are these being streamed live?

iplayer, BBC Red Button,& S4C for the Scot v Wales game

[Edit] I forgot the BBC Sports Webpage

Thanks

If you're ever unsure about where something's being broadcast you can use:
https://www.wheresthematch.com/live-rugby-union-on-tv/

S/Lt_Phillips wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:11 pm Scotland U20s pack seem to have the beating of the Welsh kids. Beasted them in the scrum then a 20m+ rolling maul for a try

Early days.

At least Wales were disciplined enough not to pull it down, or get pinged.

That was nice by Wales !

Why can't their senior colleagues draw the tackler before giving the pass. like these kids can ?

fishfoodie wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:16 pm That was nice by Wales !

Why can't their senior colleagues draw the tackler before giving the pass. like these kids can ?

Yeah, the backs are pretty capable

Well that was easy

Entertaining game! Good awareness from Wales, doing really well living off scraps really

Lovely try from England after Italy kick their second penalty.

Glacial service from England's 9 is not helping us at all.

Good solo effort from Pollock.

Said it before and will say it again, Pollock is going to be a top, top player.

3rd try on the stroke of half time from future Scotland poach Finn Carnduff.

sockwithaticket wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:53 pm Glacial service from England's 9 is not helping us at all.

Good solo effort from Pollock.

He's doing my head in. Rests his hands on the ball for a second before every pass, which just slows down every phase.

Suffering a bit for McParland going down injured pre game. He's a superb prospect 9, and a much better player.

Oxbow wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:55 pm Said it before and will say it again, Pollock is going to be a top, top player.

You and everyone else.

Got it all as a seven. Quick, very skilful, strong in contact and good over the ball.

Feels like this half time break has taken an absolute age

JM2K6 wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:17 pm Feels like this half time break has taken an absolute age

You don't have overpaid experts telling you what you just watched

Just go make a cuppa instead

Margin__Walker wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:10 pm

Oxbow wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:55 pm Said it before and will say it again, Pollock is going to be a top, top player.

You and everyone else.

Got it all as a seven. Quick, very skilful, strong in contact and good over the ball.

Hat-trick try.

Pretty impressed by the scale of that win, given the psychotic Italian defence.

Margin__Walker wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:09 pm

sockwithaticket wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:53 pm Glacial service from England's 9 is not helping us at all.

Good solo effort from Pollock.

He's doing my head in. Rests his hands on the ball for a second before every pass, which just slows down every phase.

Suffering a bit for McParland going down injured pre game. He's a superb prospect 9, and a much better player.

I wondered where he was! Outstanding prospect.

Don't forget, the France v Ireland U20 game kicks off at 20:10 !

Should be a cracker.

Ireland up 0 - 7

Coaching video catch & drive

Irish lock s 6' 10" 18 years old, & makes Dev Toner look malnorished

7 - 7 12mins gone