U20 Six Nations - Ones to Watch
Living in the shadow of its senior counterpart, the U20 Six Nations won’t be appointment viewing for a lot of rugby fans over the next two months, but it really should be.
The competition is the first glimpse for many of the future stars of the northern hemisphere and the quality of the competition has consistently grown over the past 10 years, with a number of the stars of the tournament not only going straight into starring roles for their club sides, but also winning international caps.
Among the players involved last year were full England cap Ted Hill and recent apprentice call-up Josh Hodge, whilst Ireland’s Harry Byrne was included as a development player in Andy Farrell’s senior Six Nations squad. As for France, the quartet of Jean-Baptiste Gros, Killian Geraci, Louis Carbonel and Arthur Vincent were all named in the senior side’s training squad for the current tournament.
There are plenty of candidates this season to go on similar journeys over the next 12 months and with four of the six senior sides involved under new head coaches, they will be particularly keen to cast their eyes over the next generation of talent and potentially find some core members of their squads moving forward.
We have selected one player from each nation to keep an eye on over the next couple of months, all of whom have the ability to make the step up sooner, rather than later.
Continue reading below…
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Rufus McLean, Scotland
This is an important year for Scotland who, unlike their Six Nations rivals, are not preparing for the World Rugby U20 Championship, but instead attempting to bounce back from the second tier Trophy competition at first time of asking. McLean’s elusive running and counter-attacking will help them in that goal, whilst he also boasts an incisive kicking game from hand.
He is no lightweight in defence, either, something which is not always true of the attack-oriented back three players at this level. McLean will be joined by returning players Ewan Ashman, Connor Boyle and Jack Blain, all of whom had good seasons last year, despite the side’s overall struggles. McLean and Blain combining in attack could light up the Six Nations and Trophy tournaments.
Alfie Barbeary, England
Barbeary’s introduction to U20 rugby happened a year early, although it ended in ignominious manner, as he was sent off at the U20 Championship for a spear tackle off the ball, something which saw his start to life as a professional at Wasps delayed. That said, it was a momentary rush of blood to the head and his potential in rugby is still extremely high.
A dominant ball-carrier, if Barbeary can steer clear of injuries and put five solid games at the Six Nations under his belt, he could well push for further honours with Wasps after the tournament’s conclusion. His physicality is rare and puts him in that conversation, even playing in a such a demanding position as the front row. Elsewhere, Freddie Steward, Max Ojomoh and Tom Curtis will all look to leave their mark on the competition and they should all excel with front-foot ball.
How good would they look in these French club colours? https://t.co/qCEfGCe6Tk
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 21, 2020
Hayden Hyde, Ireland
Outside centre Hyde is one of the new faces in an Ireland squad that will attempt to defend their Grand Slam title from last year, and he brings a physical carrying presence in the midfield that could make that possible. The Cranleigh product transitioned from the back row to the centres during his time in the Harlequins academy and although he is still learning his trade there, he is set to be a real coup for Ulster and the Irish Exiles programme.
If Ireland can deliver Hyde the ball in space, he could run rampant during the Six Nations and, as with many of the backs at the competition, that will come down to the work done by the pack. Up front, Ireland welcome back promising tighthead Thomas Clarkson and lock and captain David McCann, both of whom will be key to that goal of getting Hyde running on to the ball against a retreating defence.
Matthias Haddad, France
After excelling for the U18 side last season, Haddad is primed to take the U20 age-grade by storm this year. He is a relatively rare thing in France, in that he is a slighter flanker, very much built in the traditional openside mould. His speed, ferocity of tackle and strength over the ball all separate him from the chasing pack at this level.
If France can put a strong workhorse alongside Haddad and Jordan Joseph this year, their back row will be as explosive and potentially dominant as any in age-grade rugby. Gifted lock Florent Vanverberghe is back for another season, whilst Cheikh Tiberghien, who was snapped up by Clermont from Bayonne last year, is well worth keeping an eye on, too.
Ioan Lloyd, Wales
Of all the players mentioned in this article, none has had that impact at the senior level yet that Lloyd has had with Bristol Bears. The fly-half has transitioned to senior rugby as seamlessly as you could hope for and he has shown that he is more than capable of executing his impressive array of skills from U18 rugby at a level that is already beyond that which he will face in the Six Nations over the next two months.
Combined with Sam Costelow, Wales have two excellent playmakers to call upon and how they are used in conjunction with one another will be one of the more interesting aspects of the competition. Lloyd could slot in at full-back, whilst Costelow has experience at inside centre from the Leicester Tigers academy. Captain Jac Morgan will have to lead his pack forward and over the gain-line if we are to see the best of these two exciting talents.
Alun Wyn Jones seems to have the power of eternal life as he is set to commence his 15th year of Test rugby, but Wales must look at a Plan B for a post-AWJ future – @OwainJTJones takes a look at the contenders in line to potentially step uphttps://t.co/GId78C0zPt
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 21, 2020
Paolo Garbisi, Italy
Garbisi takes over from Italy’s standout last year Matteo Moscardi, not only as captain, but also as the primary attacking threat in the Italian midfield. His running ability makes him a difficult fly-half to defend against, although he will also need to be aware of the space further outside and move the ball, rather than just shouldering the burden himself.
With Italy having jumped from fly-half to fly-half at the senior level over the years, there is always interest when a player at this position performs well for the Azzurri at age-grade level. Garbisi began to tick that box last season and if he can continue develop during this campaign, it won’t be long before people begin talking him up as the heir to Diego Dominguez’s long-vacated throne.
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Comments on RugbyPass
The current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
1 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to commentsThose ears must give him great field awareness
1 Go to commentsFrench international centre Maelle Fillopon is death, too.
1 Go to comments