Five CMRFU representatives to take part in National Super Rugby Under 20s Tournament

Five CMRFU representatives to take part in National Super Rugby Under 20s Tournament

Counties Manukau will have five representatives at the National Super Rugby Under 20’s Tournament in Taupo starting this weekend.

Manurewa number eight Joey Taumateine and Patumahoe prop Apai Ma’u-Hinkes have been named in the Chiefs U20s side.

The pair, both out of Wesley College, have another year of eligibility next season as well.

Also featuring in the tournament is Counties Manukau Steeler Kanavale Helu (Pukekohe) who has been named in the Moana Pasifika U20 team.

Meanwhile, Karaka pair Nikolasi Muli (hooker) and Taeao Pomale-Time (loose forward) have been included in the NZ Barbarians U21 side.

“Counties Manukau had seven Academy players involved in the Chiefs U20’s campaign that started back in December 2023,” said CMRFU Academy Manager Richie Harris.

“All boys showed great improvement throughout the campaign. Our “Pride in the Hoops” values of Courage, Connected and Work Hard were clearly evident in the way the boys trained, played and conducted themselves throughout the Chiefs pre-season campaign, whether it was “packing down” a field after trainings and games, or their thanking of people supporting them.”

The third annual tournament will be held in Taupō, with the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders, Highlanders U20 squads and a New Zealand Barbarians team involved. 

The Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika Under 20 sides will also join the tournament from March 16-23 at Owen Delany Park.

SCHEDULE

MATCH DAY 1: SATURDAY 16TH MARCH  
ROUNDTIME     GAME
Quarter Final 111:05NZ Barbarians v Chiefs
Quarter Final 213:05Blues v Moana Pasifika
Quarter Final 315:05Hurricanes v Fijian Drua
Quarter Final 417:05Highlanders v Crusaders
MATCH DAY 2: TUESDAY 19TH MARCH  
ROUNDTIMEGAME
511:052nd Highest Rank QF Loser v 3rd Highest Rank QF Loser
613:05Highest Rank QF Loser v 4th Highest Rank QF Loser
7 Semi Final 115:052nd Highest Rank QF Winner v 3rd Highest Rank QF Winner
8 Semi Final 217:05Highest Rank QF Winner v 4th Highest Rank QF Winner
MATCH DAY 3: SATURDAY 23RD MARCH  
ROUNDTIMEGAME
9 (7th/8th Playoff)11:05Loser Match 5 v Loser Match 6
10 (5th/6th Playoff)13:05Winner Match 5 v Winner Match 6
11 (3rd/4th Playoff)15:05Loser Match 7 v Loser Match 8
12 Final (1st/2nd Playoff)17:05Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 8