Stars, standouts and try scorers in NSW Waratahs A team’s workout against Brumbies Runners

A road trip has freshened up some of the rising stars of rugby ahead of two crucial outings - the Waratahs second game of Super Rugby Pacific and Tahs U20 match trials. Stars and standouts

Action in the Waratahs A v Brumbies Runners match in Canberra. Pictures: Waratahs Media

A road trip to Canberra has given some of Waratahs brightest young talent more time in the sun ahead of their second match of Super Rugby Pacific and a series of trial matches to be played by Tahs U20 stars.

The Waratahs made the most of the bye round to give their established stars a break and some of their others players and rising stars valuable match time with a games against the Brumbies Runners organised in Canberra on Saturday.

The Tahs were coached by coach Shannon Fraser, who heads up the Waratahs U20s in a series of games in March ahead of Junior Wallabies selections and last year guided the Australian U18s to big wins on New Zealand.

“It was good to give the Tahs boys football,’’ Fraser said of the match dominated by the Waratahs after a slow start.

Many of the players who ran out on Saturday are expected to play in the U20s series of matches kicking off next weekend, including Liam Grover, Edwin Langi, Hwi Sharples, Archie Saunders, Eamon Doyle, Brendan Palmer, Toby Brial, Joey Fowler and Austin Durbridge.

Nine Waratahs made the cut for the Australian U20s team last year with high hopes of the NSW team dominating the numbers again in 2024.

Waratahs' Liam Grover, playing in the U19s Super Rugby series in 2024, was one of the stars in Canberra. Picture: John Appleyard.

Grover was one of the standouts in the 45-38 victory in 30 degree heat in Canberra with two tries and relished the opportunity to get a hard game in before the U20 matches.

“Getting into the Juniors Wallabies is my big priority this year,’’ said Grover, 19.

Fraser identified captain and fly half Lawson Creighton as one of the best on field.

Creighton scored a try, made five from seven conversions and stood up in his leadership role.

“Lawson built into his game and took more control and was very good with the communication,’’ Fraser said.

“(Left lock) Felix Kalapu in the forwards was physical and strong and carried hard.

“It doesn't do anything for our cohesion but its good for the (U20s) boys to get some hardened footy against a slighting older group.

“It was good for match fitness and good for the boys to be around some of the older boys and see how they do things.’’

Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Brendan Palmer and Triston Reilly also scored tries in the match.

“Teddy is very good, he’s very sharp and Triston had some nice moments.’’

The Waratahs are expected to name their team for the U20 matches early next week with the senior Waratahs groups hosting the Fijian Drua in a double header with the Waratahs Women on Friday night in Sydney.

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Originally published as Stars, standouts and try scorers in NSW Waratahs A team’s workout against Brumbies Runners