NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies U20s stars, standouts in trial ahead of Junior Wallaby selection

There were two try heroes and an impressive debut from a new face as the Waratahs took on their arch rivals from the Brumbies in a “confrontational” U20s trial. Stars and standouts

Waratahs' Kaleb Ah-Colt. was pasrt of the win. Picture: John Appleyard

There were two try heroes and an impressive debut from a new face as the NSW Waratahs took on their arch rivals from the Brumbies in a “confrontational” U20s trial on the weekend.

Speedster Brendan Palmer and hooker Bailey Park both crossed for two tries in the match which saw the first appearance of young gun Brodie McLaren for the NSW Waratahs.

The Waratahs outscored the Brumbies six tries to two in high heat in Canberra for a big win by the NSW side always keen to take a win off one of the top rugby academies in the under 19s and 20s space in Australia.

It was a victory which left their coach buoyant after Shannon Fraser had claimed pre-game the match was personal after the Tahs U19s suffered their second loss to the Brumbies in two seasons in the most recent Super Rugby U19s battle.

“I think the pleasing thing was the physicality of the boys. It was a very strong defensive effort from the boys to step in front,’’ said Fraser said.

“The forward pack was very strong.

Waratahs' Brendan Palmer scored two tries in the match.

“Eamon Doyle and Luca Cleverley were standouts ... just their physicality, their carry, they were exceptional.

“Edwin Langi I thought was very good and Toby Brial.

“Really physical and confrontational game. six tries to two doesn’t reflect.

The NSW Waratahs won 40-12 with Palmer and Bailey Park leading the way on the scoreboard.

Cooper Watters and Charlie O’Kane both scored a try with Jonty Fowler nailing three conversions and Joey Fowler two.

The match also the first in a Waratahs jersey for fullback Brody McLaren who recently moved from Brisbane to Sydney to play with the Manly Marlins.

The trials are being played ahead of a Junior Wallabies squad being named next month.

NSW U20 Waratahs: Loosehead Prop: Nathaniel Tiitii, 2. Hooker: Bailey Park, 3. Tight-head Prop: Edwin Langi, 4. Left Lock: Joe Mangelsdorf, 5. Right Lock: Eamon Doyle ©, 6. Left Flanker: Luca Cleverley, 7. Right Flanker: Austin Durbidge, 8. Number Eight: Toby Brial, 9. Scrumhalf Hwi: Sharples, 10. Fly half: Joey Fowler, 11. Left Wing: Brendan Palmer, 12. Inside Centre: Louis Fenwicke, 13. Outside Centre: Liam Grover, 14. Right Wing: Cooper Watters, 15. Fullback: Brody McLaren. Replacements: Charlie O’Kane, Jack Cesare, Kaleb Ah-Colt, Reserve: Zion Piotaha, Jacob Veiru, 21. Marshall Le Maitre, 22. Sam Blank, Jonty Fowler, Hadley Tonga, Zach Fittler.

Originally published as NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies U20s stars, standouts in trial ahead of Junior Wallaby selection