REPORT: Why two All Blacks coaches attended New Zealand U20 match in Australia and Former All Blacks’ Star Emerge as Defence Coach…

REPORT: Why two All Blacks coaches attended New Zealand U20 match in Australia and Former All Blacks’ Star Emerge as Defence Coach…

During the New Zealand U20s’ dominant 43-20 victory over Los Pumitas, All Blacks coaches Jason Ryan and Leon MacDonald observed from the stands. Ryan and MacDonald, integral parts of Scott Robertson’s coaching staff, had been involved in the training of the Baby Blacks during their time in Australia’s Sunshine Coast in the preceding week.

Following some notable changes made by New Zealand U20s coach Jono Gibbes after their draw with South Africa, the team tested new combinations against Argentina. The fresh halves pairing of Dylan Pledger and Rico Simpson made an impact in the resounding win, along with backrower Malachi Wrampling-Alec, who scored two crucial tries.

Wrampling-Alec expressed his elation after the match, highlighting the significance of the team’s first victory of the year. He acknowledged the invaluable contribution of coaches Ryan and MacDonald, indicating their guidance as a glimpse into potential future opportunities within the All Blacks setup.

The New Zealand U20s, determined to bounce back after their draw with South Africa, made a strong start against the Pumitas, swiftly establishing a commanding lead. With tries from Pledger and Wrampling-Alec, the team secured a bonus point victory, propelling them to the top of the standings.

Looking ahead, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and finishing the campaign strongly. With the upcoming match against arch-rivals Australia, the team aims to consolidate their position while recognizing the competitive landscape of the tournament.

In a separate development, former All Black Filo Tiatia has joined the Dragons as defence coach. The Dragons view Tiatia as a crucial addition to toughen the team, emphasizing his wealth of experience and leadership qualities. Tiatia’s role extends beyond defence, as he is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s overall development and culture.

Excited by the prospect, Tiatia looks forward to returning to Wales and contributing to the Dragons’ ambitions. His appointment reflects the club’s commitment to assembling a competitive squad, evident in their recent recruitment efforts, aimed at bolstering various positions ahead of the upcoming season.”