The New South Wales Waratahs Under 15s, Under 16s and Under 19s have defeated the Queensland Reds today at Sunnybank while the Challenger Series got off to a hot start
The sons of guns shone like beacons in three clashes between the next generation of Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs at Sunnybank Rugby Club on Sunday. See who stood out with our reports and Team of the Day on the four game rugby bonanza which included the Challenger Series.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The New South Wales Waratahs Under 15s edged out the Queensland Reds 13-6 to kick start a clean sheet of wins by the visitors at Sunnybank Rugby Club on Sunday.
The Waratahs took it to another level in the Under 16s clash, coming away with a 32-3 win to get the ball rolling in their National Championship campaign.
Then, the Waratahs Under 19s made it a hat-trick of wins for New South Wales, coming from 19-3 down to beat the Reds 29-26 in a nail biter.
Zach Fittler, son of Brad Fitler, Ed Kasprowicz, son of Australian cricketer Michael, and Tom Howard, son of Wallaby Pat, shone like beacons in their respective games, while Queenslander Premier Rugby Under 20s Player of the Year Harry McLaughlin-Phillips put on a masterclass.
In the Challenger Series. The Reds Development XV drew clear 57-24 over the President’s XV in a try scoring fest, taking game one of the two game series. In a losing side, hooker Ethan Dobbins was incredible on both sides of the ball.
See the reports and Team of the Day below to catch up on all action.
Team of the Day (NSW and QLD, all age groups)
1. Isaac Raulini (Nudgee College) and Berakah Tuifaasisina (Ipswich SHS)
2. Ewald Kruger (Toowoomba Grammar School) and Ethan Dobbins (Wests)
3. Jayden Moujalli (Eastwood)
4. Ed Kasprowicz (Nudgee College) and Zion Poitaha (NSW Schools CAS, Waverley College)
5. Toby Brial (NSW Schools GPS, The Scots College)
6. Clem Halaholo (Sydney University) and Oliver Aboud (Sydney Juniors, Randwick)
7. Jarvis Orr (Knox Grammar) and Connor Anderson (Wests)
8. Niheta Pala’amo (Mabel Park SHS)
9. Sam Blank (NSW Schools, St Augustine’s) and Nick Eccleston (Churchie)
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Souths), Alex Conti (NSW Schools, St Patrick’s College) and Lawson Creighton (Brothers)
11. Zach Fittler off the bench (NSW Schools GPS, The Scots College) and Joey Fittock (Bond University)
12. Taj Annan (Easts) and Charlie Worthington (Randwick)
13. Chace Oates (Toowoomba Grammar School) and Jackson Ropata (Southern Districts)
14. Floyd Aubrey (GPS)
15. Mitchell Woods (NSW Schools ISA, St Patrick’s College) and Tom Morrison (Sydney University)
Queensland Reds v New South Wales Waratahs Under 19s
New South Wales have claimed three straight wins at Sunnybank today with their Under 19s coming from behind to win 29-26 over Queensland.
It looked a sure thing for the Reds up 19-3 at the half, but a second half ambush by NSW to score 26 points to the Reds seven and turn the game on its head saw them come away with it at the death.
The combination of Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Taj Annan worked a treat for QLD and proved the difference in the first 40, until a hatrick of tries to begin the second sparked a surge by the visitors.
Australian Schools and U18 flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips gave Queensland great field position early with a mammoth clearance kick and all it took was a sharp inside step from centre Taj Annan to make it 7-0.
Annan, who usually plays flyhalf, received speedy scrumhalf service from Easts Tiger teammate Sam Farrar who found him winding up out wide.
Annan added the much needed extras with a cracking conversion and proceeded to use his boot to give his team the upper hand. Minutes later, giving QLD yet another golden opportunity with a masterful 50-22.
QLD made no mistake taking advantage of the field position. After some deterrence, McLaughlin-Phillips snuck his way through the defence to dive in under the sticks.
The South’s Magpie, who is the club’s best flyhalf prospect since the great Quade Cooper, sliced his way through with a dummy-and-go.
QLD finished the half in amazing fashion. Down to 14 men with Dylan Loader in the bin, NSW were on the charge. But, fullback Jack Hussey stood tall with a try saving tackle and Annan even taller with a jackel to turn the ball over.
We know how this story goes. Next to step in was McLaughlin-Phillips and this time it was in the form of a bomb which NSW had no chance of catching.
Four bounces later and Norths winger Jackson Connelly, who to the delight of QLD fans, had a turn of speed which saw him carve down the right touchline to score.
QLD headed to the sheds up 19-3, with a Jack Mathews penalty NSW’ only points to show for.
This didn’t sit well with the Waratahs. They found something within and with plenty of fire in their bellies, they had the ideal start to the second.
With three consecutive tries, they had quickly taken their first lead of the game at 22-19.
The craftiness of fullback Tom Morrison helped spark two of the tries. The first, a pop pass to a rampaging Jackson Ropata who blitzed through the line before putting on fancy footwork to score.
Then, Morrison showcased more of his tricks with a pin point cut out pass to winger Aaron Dimovitch who found Mathews in support. Only metres out, there was no stopping big boppa Clem Halaholo, a powerhouse flanker from Sydney University.
Next to strike and take the lead was a rampaging red-head in the form of Henry Roberts. It was his body height and powerful leg drive that saw the front rower give NSW a three point lead.
There was no shortage of talent showcased by the two teams. A few players that were extra electric were:
-QLD’s Tim Ryan. It was hard to miss his stepping and speed. The word elusive comes to mind. Although he isn’t the biggest centre, his ability to beat the first defender makes him a huge threat.
-NSW’ destructive centre pairing in Charlie Worthington and Jackson Ropata who had it all. They could step, they had speed, were defensively sound and had size to spare.
QLD produced some absolute magic to regain the lead at 26-22, with McLaughlin-Phillips slotting an incredible conversion from the touchline.
On the back of a strong scrum by the QLD forwards, reserve centres Hunter Lim and Harry Grant, who are teammates at Brothers, orchestrated a magnificent try to winger Jarrod Homan.
The Colts 1 teammates showcased their connection with two incredible cut out passes which presented open pastures for Homan.
But, NSW had one more try in them. Giant prop Jayden Moujalli detached off the rolling maul and steamrolled his way over the last line of defence to retake the lead at 29-26.
Queensland had just a minute to answer but the defence of Worthington to drag Hussey into touch secured the Waratahs third win of the day over their Reds counterparts.
Queensland Reds v New South Wales Waratahs Under 16s
The future looks bright for New South Wales, all you need to look at is the 32-3 scoreline in a comprehensive victory over Queensland to kickstart their Under 16 National Championships campaign.
Scoring four tries to Queensland’s one, the visitors were on fire from the beginning and not once did they take their foot off the gas. Toowoomba Grammar School hooker Ewald Kruger got through an enormous amount of work and as such was rewarded Man of the Match.
There’s something special about this age group and it could be seen within the first three minutes of the game.
Brilliant kicking by Queensland centre Chace Oates and New South Wales centre Joe Walsh who expertly placed 50-22s, kicked off the carnage to follow. The carnage, inflicted by an in-sync NSW side.
Oates, winger Tom Howard, dynamic No.8 Jasper Barry and lineout specialist Avery Thomson shone early in the maroon jersey but NSW flipped a switch and before the Queenslanders knew it they were down 18-3 at the half.
And, it could have been even uglier for QLD had NSW finished off two tries that went begging.
It was a stunning display from the visitors in that first half, making a statement with their tricky offloads, kick-and-chase options and telepathic backline connections.
Flanker Oliver Aboud popped up everywhere and had to be QLD’s biggest pest. Aggressive lock Zion Poitaha was just as dominant. The towering Waverley College product was a menace come breakdown time.
But, it was the sizzling backline of NSW that set the teams apart. From speedy Charlie Poynton on the right wing, through to superb flyhalf Alex Conti and attacking fullback Mitchell Woods, the boys in blue seemed to be in a world of their own.
After a 3-3 start, a spectacular backline play off a scrum on halfway got NSW their first try of the day. Halfback Sam Blank, Conti and centre Joe Walsh connected before a blind side dash by Woods opened up the QLD defence.
With an impossible pass back on the inside, Woods found Aboud and Walsh backing up before Blank got his second touch to score. An early try of the day contender.
NSW kept rolling and it was a deserving try to Woods which saw them move ahead 15-3.
Hooker Max Meagher, lock Toby Brial and flanker Marshall Le Maitre all had their fingerprints on this one but it was the footwork and decisiveness of Woods that earned NSW their second.
A penalty from Conti saw the visitors head to the sheds ahead 18-3.
Aboud began the second half in a hurry to get a five-pointer of his own after going agonisingly close in the first half. The No.6 latched onto his teammates in the maul before diving over for a well deserved try.
The Reds answered valiantly but had no points to show. Lock Tom Robinson and wrecking ball centre Zac Nichol among other toilers worked to get their team back in the game.
But, NSW were just as strong on defence as they were on offence. After end-to-end footy that provided footy fans everything they’d want and more, a bench assassin in the name of Zach Fittler, extended his side’s lead at 32-3.
Powerful would be an understatement, this wrecking ball winger leaving defenders in his wake on an unstoppable rampage down the right edge, set up by none other than Woods and Conti.
Another blinding run by Conti followed, but it was his brilliance down the touchline which settled the scores at an impressive 32-3.
Queensland Reds v New South Wales Waratahs Under 15s
A match winning jackal by reserve backrower Thomas Haslam of Knox Grammar School sealed the deal for New South Wales Waratahs in a tense 13-6 victory over their Queensland Reds rivals at Sunnybank.
Down 13-6 with one minute left on the clock, the Reds forwards were lumbering closer and closer. But, a heroic breakdown win from Haslam earned his teammates possession and saw them hold out their Queensland rivals.
Haslam’s Knox Grammar partner in crime, flanker Jarvis Orr was also a standout. He has great footwork and leg drive which made way for plenty of post contact metres.
But, it was QLD No.8 Niheta Pala’amo who earned Man of the Match honours. There’s little wonder why. He was a hitman, inflicting blow after blow on his poor rivals who chose to run at him.
They have definitely learnt their lesson.
An expert 50-22 kick by halfback Nick Eccleston and a courageous jackal by flanker Agapetos Lote-Felo made way for the Queensland Reds first points of the day through the boot of wing Nicholas Conway.
Queensland No.8 Niheta Pala’amo made the tackle of the day soon after with a thumping hit which forced a knock-on by the opposition. But, his opposing number from St Joseph’s College, Justice Taumoepeau immediately regain possession for NSW with a breakdown win.
Both sides continued to impress. NSW halfback Angus Grover took a leaf out of Eccleston’s book with a masterful 50-22, only to be deterred with a super lineout effort by lock Ed Kasprowicz, the son of the Australian cricket great Michael.
You could see young Kasprowicz had good pogoes in his legs with his lineout dominance. There’s little wonder as to why, the slender athlete is a record breaking high jumper and basketball talent.
A 35m penalty goal by calm and collected No.23 Harrison Dene equalized the scores at three apiece in the 25th minute. But, the boys in maroon quickly regained the lead thanks to a Conway penalty 15m in from the sideline.
NSW’ best attacking opportunity came right on halftime with ball playing centre Mathew Gough and busy fullback Dylan Hall edging the boys in blue ever so close.
But, charging from the scrum on the other side over to the right edge to make a try saving tackle in touch was Pala’amo, a powerhouse product of Mabel Park State High School who certainly made his presence known in that first half.
It only took four minutes for NSW to move ahead 10-6 in the second half. A destructive carry from powerhouse No.17 Hiyaz Viliamu laid the foundation for an even more destructive close range barrage from hooker Daryus Sione who planted the ball down with defenders all over him.
There were a few things worth noting as the boys in blue and maroon butted horns.
These included:
the off the mark acceleration and footwork of head geared flanker Jarvis Orr
The NSW trio of dynamic ball running forwards: Sione, Viliamu and No.18 Hasani Bloomfield.
The knack of Pala’amo to flatten his rivals with bone crunching tackles
The impressive boot of Reds flyhalf Samuel McGahan
QLD fullback Brock Coombes was impressive returning the ball from the back with great turn of foot and power into contact.
Dene put NSW in the clear at 13-6 with only two minutes left to play. With a tremendous penalty goal at an angle and over 30m out, he made it one-from-one in favour of NSW to begin the day’s play.
Reds front rowers Isaac Raulini, Caleb West and Berakah Tuifaasisina led a last minute charge at the NSW line only to be denied by a heroic Haslam.
Queensland Reds Development XV v President’s XV
A Joey Fittock hat-trick highlighted a try-scoring fest that saw the Reds Development XV triumph 57-24 over the President’s XV at Sunnybank Rugby Club.
New rule innovations implemented for the Challenger Series proved to be a roaring success in a game where a mix of Club Rugby veterans and Reds rookies on the rise showcased their worth.
Immediately, the rule adjustments to make way for a more fast paced game were on show. Put simply, there was more rugby being played, less time wasting and more excitement.
The excitement first came in the form of a fantastic Floyd Aubrey pass, who is one of many reaping the rewards of the rule changes. Aubrey is the x-factor player that can change a game, but rarely gets the chance with limited opportunities with the ball in hand.
Today was a different story, setting up Bond University winger Joey Fittock with a superb cut out pass. The finish in the corner by Fittock was just as good as the pass.
Aubrey moved the Reds Development XV ahead 12-0 soon after with a piece of brilliance only a slow-motion replay does justice.
Up-and-coming Queensland Reds flyhalf Lawson Creighton aced a cross field kick to Aubrey who, with a defender in his face, tapped the ball from mid-air forward with his boot and chased it down to plant it in goal.
It was an all or nothing play, and it paid off for the Cherbourg speedster who had the pace to be the first to the ball.
Ben Navosailagi got the President’s XV in the game, crossing with nobody in sight thanks to the hard work by No.8 Pat Morrey, flanker Jonte Connoly and front rowers Rhys Sheriff and Ethan Dobbins to provide the overlap out wide.
The President’s XV found their stride after this one, with a fantastic team effort moving them within seven. Prop Levi Samuela, flanker Alex Smit, Sheriff, Morrey and winger Kye Oates all had touches in the Ethan Dobbins five-pointer.
But wait, there’s more. This time it was the headgeared Oates in the left hand corner with a great finish. It all started with great ball work to engage the defence by lock Zac Shepherd, flyhalf Brad Twidale and centre Dan Boardman.
A piece of magic by fullback Mac Grealy saw the two teams go into the break 19 apiece.
Creighton, with a deft grubber, kick set up Grealy who not only was quick off the mark, but skilled enough to plant it down just before the dead ball line.
The Reds Development XV started the second half strong, with two tries in five minutes.
The first came through the boot of Creighton yet again. The No.10 scouting space out wide in Alec Evans medalist Connor Anderson, who tapped it back into Fittock for his second of the day.
UQ flanker Sam Wallis was next to pounce, making it 31-19 on the back of a dominant rolling maul lineout.
The Reds Development XV continued to play to their strengths which was the lineout and rolling maul. Hooker Matt Faessler cashed in this time the same way Wallis did.
Navosailagi answered back for the President XV with a close range dash, slicing through the defence with sheer pace to score and draw his team closer at 38-24.
The Reds Development XV stormed ahead 52-24 through Anderson, who was delivered a bullet pass by Creighton and halfback Spencer Jeans who scooted from the scrum to score. Tom Lynagh added the extras with a sweet stroke off the tee.
Then, a spectacular chip kick from Mac Grealy, who was wrapped up in a tackle, set up Fittock for his third try of the day, putting the icing on the cake for the Reds Development XV who took game one of the series, 57-24.
GPS First XI Round 1: Nudgee given the Hook, IGS v Terrace thriller
GPS First XI cricket sensation: A BBC student who recently trained at Scotland’s Celtic FC, the Terrace rugby halfback ace and a BSHS bowling rookie were round one heroes. Reports here.
Hall eager to be back in the pool for cherished cause
Australian flag bearer and five time Paralympian Brenden Hall has reflected on his whirlwind Paris games as he uncovers his new found motivation for life in the pool.