Under-20 Competitions including Oceania & World U20s

[InsiderScoop]

I know that it varies for each player...but I assume many of these players are in their respective State academies (getting paid something for that?) and I assume that are probably / maybe getting paid something from their clubs. Presume those at uni clubs are probably on uni or college scholarships? Most don't yet seem to be in their top tier Super Rugby squads.

That all said, I assume none are getting paid huge sums, but rather they are working towards hopefully getting a Super Rugby contract (or an overseas equivalent) at some stage?

Seems like a pretty big commitment is required to play at this level. Presume most at this level are still doing it for the 'love of the game' and that many probably don't crack that Super Rugby (or equivalent) contract?

Is that correct, or do most who get to this level manage to make something financially worthwhile out of rugby?

Only a small portion of academy boys get paid in the Waratahs system and those are who are on Development contracts for the Outer top squad. Their contracts are either EDS (Elite Development Squad) or WTS (Wider Training Squad). Some boys get paid if they get called into pre-season trainings but not enough to live off given the commitment, compared to league where 19 y/o are getting paid upwards of 50k on a development.
Not all clubs can afford to pay players in the Shute Shield which is also a factor why financially stronger clubs tend to do so well in Colts, as they can attract players with small contracts. And yes similarly, Uni boys all get financial support, and college financial support that's why they attract the pick of the bunch, and why wouldn't you accept it at that age but it definitely hurts others... I know most of the boys are still doing it for the love of the game.

 

[drewprint]

Baby Blacks just did a pre-haka, then the haka? Never seen that before.

 

[kiap]

To be fair I have been more impressed with the Argies than SA the last couple of years. SA had nothing last year and as long as we can match them with some big bodies i think we will be fine. NZ are up and down these days but seem to lack the star power of a few years ago and Argentina can beat anyone any day and will be large and passionate.
I thought against Japan our backs looked a little clunky and need a bit more go forward before slinging it wide. Talent to burn though, even without Goldsborough and Pakeho.

They seem up today

 

[kiap]

Nice stretch from 13 Grover

 

[Rudderless]

The work rate of No.4 Eamon Doyle is relentless

 

[Rudderless]

HT
Aust 17-10

 

[BobbyD]

The work rate of No.4 Eamon Doyle is relentless

He has been phenomenal.

 

[Rudderless]

Another yellow card….down to 13 men at the 66 min

 

[Rudderless]

A real dog fight and down to the wire with Aust scoring in the 83 min

FT
29-29

 

[BobbyD]

Wow, what a game. To play most of the last 20 with 13 men and score 12-0 to draw it well after full time was a massive credit to them.

 

[Cockatoo Run]

What guts from the Junior Wallabies. The captain was unbelievable. Lipina Ata off the bench was great.

 

[Raytah]

Solid game - enjoyed that. Lads did very well to hang tough and make that a dog fight. Sid Harvey with ice in his veins at the end. Ah Colt and Doyle both very good in the first half. Fakafonua, Eli Langi and Grover all showed potential.

Defence needs work - we fell for the ball out the back, struggled in the wide channels, and with maul D.

Scrum and lineout both quite solid which is promising. Counter attack also looked good.

 

[Rudderless]

HT
Argentina 20-15

FT
South Africa 35-26

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Solid game - enjoyed that. Lads did very well to hang tough and make that a dog fight. Sid Harvey with ice in his veins at the end. Ah Colt and Doyle both very good in the first half. Fakafonua, Eli Langi and Grover all showed potential.

Defence needs work - we fell for the ball out the back, struggled in the wide channels, and with maul D.

Scrum and lineout both quite solid which is promising. Counter attack also looked good.

This will be fine. Games together will sort a big part of this out before a WC. Set piece being solid is huge for the Junior Aus sides when we can have good back-lines but overpowered in close. If we can just retain our own ball I'll take it every day of the week.

We are going to see a lot of Doyle for a long time. Every big game he's a noticeable performer.

 

[Major Tom]

Wow, what a game. To play most of the last 20 with 13 men and score 12-0 to draw it well after full time was a massive credit to them.

That 2nd yellow for stopping "the quick tap" was very harsh!.
Good grit from the boys!

 

[Braveheart81]

That 2nd yellow for stopping "the quick tap" was very harsh!.
Good grit from the boys!

I think it had to happen though. It was unbelievably braindead play from Martens. He'd clearly given away a penalty, is 5m out from his own try line and just held onto the ball on the ground.

That said, New Zealand should have lost a player sooner. It was ridiculous that even after a warning and then one specific player had given away 3 penalties in a row, they still didn't lose a player.

 

[Major Tom]

I think it had to happen though. It was unbelievably braindead play from Martens. He'd clearly given away a penalty, is 5m out from his own try line and just held onto the ball on the ground.

That said, New Zealand should have lost a player sooner. It was ridiculous that even after a warning and then one specific player had given away 3 penalties in a row, they still didn't lose a player.

I did think it was a bit hypocritical at the end there when the NZ player kicked the ball away after a penalty was awarded. The Aussie boys were rightly livid.

 

[Braveheart81]

I did think it was a bit hypocritical at the end there when the NZ player kicked the ball away after a penalty was awarded. The Aussie boys were rightly livid.

I think that is different though and happens all the time. The ball wasn't anywhere near the spot of the penalty and the NZ player was in possession of it and has kicked it a second after the whistle blows. There was never a quick tap opportunity.

We're 5m out defending our line and the player that has given away the penalty then doesn't release the ball.

 

[Dctarget]

That said, New Zealand should have lost a player sooner. It was ridiculous that even after a warning and then one specific player had given away 3 penalties in a row, they still didn't lose a player.

Yeah the TMO was trying very hard to nudge the ref in the right direction.

Thought Wilcox had a pretty poor game. Dropped one cold, ignored an overlap to go himself, when he did push a pass it went to no one.

 

[Major Tom]

To be fair, there a few Queenslanders in there via other states (eg. Wilcox, Langi), and Tom Robinson is injured for this game, Frankie Goldsborough injured and not touring, and Dre Pakeho starting for Reds big boys. Oh, and the Waratahs U20 pumped the Reds 40-12 at Ballymore and the Reds chose not to play the Brumbies or the Force who all had matches against each other .

Just read Eli Langi picked up the game pretty late after watching his younger brother play (Wonder if he’s any good too?).
Forgot he’s only 18 too which is also bloody impressive.