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Chiefs bring in star Under 20s centre as injury replacement

Gideon Wrampling. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)

While the Chiefs haven’t been hit quite as cataclysmically hard by injuries this season as they were in 2020, they’ve not escaped from the curse altogether.

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Atu Moli is yet to be sighted in 2021 while captain Sam Cane won’t feature again after damaging a pec against the Blues.

More recently, young midfielder Quinn Tupaea suffered a ruptured MCL against the Highlanders two weekends ago which will likely keep him off the park for the remainder of the Chiefs’ campaign – including the upcoming trans-Tasman component of Super Rugby.

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All Blacks Dane Coles, Sevu Reece, Shannon Frizell, and Scott Barrett share their favourite drills, what other position they want to play and what their number one tip is for young rugby players. Brought to you by Healthspan Elite.

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All Blacks Dane Coles, Sevu Reece, Shannon Frizell, and Scott Barrett share their favourite drills, what other position they want to play and what their number one tip is for young rugby players. Brought to you by Healthspan Elite.

Alex Nankivell has stepped into the No 12 jersey in Tupaea’s absence while the likes of Sean Wainui, Bailyn Sullivan and Rameka Pohipi could all fill the void left by the 21-year-old, but the Chiefs have now seen fit to call up a new member to the squad in the form of Chief Under 20s captain Gideon Wrampling.

Wrampling was a star performer for the age-grade side which went undefeated throughout their recent Super Rugby Aotearoa Under 20 campaign, slotting in at both inside and outside centre and scoring two tries over the three-day competition.

The Chiefs Under 20 team bested the Hurricanes 40-26, the Crusaders 49-28, and the Barbarians 69-28.

The 20-year-old, who weighs in at over 100kg, debuted for Waikato in last year’s Mitre 10 Cup competition, featuring three times on the wing and making five appearances off the bench.

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Before returning to New Zealand for his final two years of high school, Wrampling made a name for himself at Brisbane State High School in Australia.

He featured in both the 2018 and 2019 NZ Secondary Schools sides and was brought into the Under 20s training camp last year before their campaign was called off due to the global pandemic.

While Wrampling may not feature in a playing capacity for the Chiefs this year, his time with the squad will be invaluable for his career moving forward and indicates how highly rated the young prospect is in the Waikato region.

The Chiefs will announce their side to take on the Hurricanes on Friday later today.

Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below:

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Hellhound 51 minutes ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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