TAS First XV rugby Team of the Week

Who made the TAS First XV rugby Team of the Week following round 1 of the schoolboy union competition? Revealed here.

Cannon Hill Anglican College TAS First XV rugby. Picture, John Gass

Here is our Team of the Week following round 1 of TAS (The Associated Schools) First XV rugby.

During the season we will continue regular coverage of the competitions, which remains a stronghold in developing club and representative players in the state.

Watch for our round wrap each Saturday afternoon or early evening.

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Fullback: Liam Reynolds (Canterbury College)

Reynolds was great out the back in wet conditions. He returned the ball at speed and with vision. The No.15 also defended very well to stop a number of St Paul’s attacking breaks, Canterbury winning by 12.

RELATED LINKS

TAS ROUND 1: GAME DAY COVERAGE

COLTS 1 CLUB RUGBY TEAM OF THE WEEK

TAS PLAYERS TO WATCH

CLUB RUGBY: PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2022

Wing: Ryan Carroll (St Columban’s College)

The year 11 debutant had a cracking first game in a First XV jersey. He was safe in defence and straightened up the teams attack. He covered a couple of positions in the backline which was a huge plus for the victors.

Cannon Hill Anglican College TAS First XV rugby. Picture, John Gass

Outside centre: Lauren Rice (John Paul College)

Rice was great in JPC’s 60-0 victory over St. Johns. The centre showed strong ball carrying skills into contact and proved difficult to bring down. He looked dangerous with ball in hand and created a number of opportunities for his teammates throughout the game.

Ormiston College burst into the clear.

Inside centre: Laif Williams (Ormiston College)

Williams starred from start to almost finish. He was everything to everyone - he could run crash ball, sprint into open space and mop up in defence when the line was breached.

Wing: Jamal Meena (Ormiston College)

The fullback was a beautifully balanced runner who was all style running in three tries. We named him on the wing here to get the best players of the round all in the one side.

Fly half: Nico Buckley (Canterbury)

Nico Buckley was a highlight for the Canterbury First XV on Saturday afternoon, the flyhalf getting a double game one of the season. Buckley was threatening with good speed and footwork, a chip and chase effort from Buckley sealing the game.

Halfback: John Dick (CHAC)

A 2022 TAS player to watch, John Dick did what he could to compete with the TAS First XV reigning premiers. The scrum half was tough and determined on Saturday afternoon, scurrying to rucks and playing like another loose forward; tackling all day.

Ormiston and WestMAC soar in the lineout. Pic courtesy of Ming Body.

No.8. Dan Johnston (St. Paul’s School)

The St Paul’s First XV captain led from the front in his first game as skipper. In a tight loss to the hands of Canterbury in rainy conditions, the No.8 was great both in attack and defence, however second half errors added up for St.Paul’s, and Canterbury took charge to win 27-15.

Flanker: Tanner Baker (St Paul’s School)

Cap number 750, Baker had a solid debut performance in the First XV. He picked up a try in St Paul’s first round arm wrestle against Canterbury.

Flanker: Rener Welgemoed (Ormiston)

The young breakaway cleaned up the breakdown and was mighty with his ball winning efforts.

Lock: Devlyn Nel (St Columban’s College)

Nel was another year 11 making his First XV debut for St Columban’s. The second rower was very strong in defence and great come lineout time. It was a really strong performance from Nel in the season opener.

The Ormiston College team gathers itself after scoring. PIc: Courtesy of Ming Body.

Lock: Angus Melville (Ormiston College)

Melville had a big match carrying the ball strong, winning possession in the set pieces and lending a hand in clean outs at the breakdown.

Prop: Noah Coleman (John Paul College)

Coleman provided a lot of go forward for his side as well as energy with the ball in hand. His offensive intensity was on display on the back off fragmented play. Coleman was also very solid in defence for the full 70-minutes

TAS First XV rugby match between St Columban's College and Cannon Hill Anglican College. Picture, John Gass

Hooker: Ethan Hil (Ormiston College)

Hil He was a tight five forward but made the impact of a flanker with his work in the contest.

Prop: Liam Theron (WestMAC)

Big and mobile, Theron did his best to rally a team which was learning the hard way on the run. If the WestMAC forwards can get around Theron, control the ball and work hard at the breakdowns, the big fella will help them to better days on the field.

TAS First XV rugby match between St Columban's College and Cannon Hill Anglican College. Saturday April 23, 2022. Picture, John Gass

Reserves:

Mark Moran (John Paul College)

Fly half Moran, one of this year’s TAS players to watch, crossed the line twice in the competition opener. His vision and rugby IQ across the field allowed the backline to consistently attack beyond the advantage line. His calm demeanor kept the team focused, letting the score board continue to grow.

West Moreton's Liam Theron.

Lucas Wood (Ormiston College)

Wood has a dream game, providing first class ball for his backline behind a winning pack.

Hugo Hobbs (Ormiston College)

Fly half Hugo Hobbs also scored three tries, supporting the ball carrier on breaks while also setting the backline in motion.

Ryan FitzGerald (St Columban’s College)

In his second year in the First XV, Ryan FitzGerald was a leader in defence, and an asset to the reigning premier’s backline. He put on some big hits but most importantly, he straightened the attack up by running some great lines. FitzGerald a catalyst in Columban’s 56-0 victory over Cannon Hill Anglican College.

Oliver Gough (CHAC)

TAS player to watch Oliver Gough was very strong in attack and a force around the breakdown from No.8.

Daniel Body (Ormiston)

Body was a tower of strength in the line out and a damaging ball runner who complemented his team’s uptempo game plan.