Super Rugby U16s grandfinal: Stars, standouts, scorers, photos in Waratahs v Reds thriller
There was flash, plenty of dash, a stunning intercept, a comeback and a moment of redemption as the Waratahs and Reds rising stars put on a show in their Super Rugby decider. Stars, wrap
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There was flash, plenty of dash, a stunning intercept, pace from a prop on a trick play, a moment of redemption and a stirring comeback as the Waratahs and Reds rising stars of rugby put on a show in their Super Rugby decider
The Waratahs U16s ended the match as Super Rugby champions for the third successive year after a hard-fought battle which bodes well for the future of the sport and NSW rugby.
The 31-29 thriller saw the Waratahs again navigate the season undefeated with their players the stars and standouts of the competition showcasing the best young teenagers in the game from across the country.
And in a further honour for the Waratahs, Talen Risati was named player of the Finals.
With their smallest win this season a 30 point drubbing of the Reds, the Tahs went into the final as firm favourites but a sparky Reds side made it clear improvement had been made they were a better outfit in the finale and had a 7-5 lead 14 minutes in and prior to a Sam Polley sinbin reducing the Tahs to 14.
Instead of romping away with the win the Tahs had to fight for every inch of territory.
“It wasn’t the way we wanted to win but we found a way to win and that’s what I am proud of,’’ said Waratahs coach Craig Roberts.
“The Reds stuck it to us. They pressured us and stuck important tackles.’’
Winger Creighton Meafou showed the Waratahs how they had to play to win with a blinder off a steal which put the NSW in control after prop Nic Kotarac had opened the scoring.
“That was the end of a tick play we had practised for the Reds so that was very pleasing,’’ Roberts said.
Polley redeemed himself after a sin-binning with the third try of the game before Selesitino Mainakavik went over twice in the second half..
But the Waratahs then had to hang tough to thwart a rousing Reds rally to take the match by just two.
“Talen has had a great tournament, he deserved the title,’’ Roberts said of his Man of the Match.
“Hasani Bloomfield and Nic Kotarac were outstanding today as were Tajh and Justice (Taumopeau, captain).
“Justice does all the stuff no one else wants to do. He is an amazing rugby player.
“The backs did their job and Selesitino Mainakavika stamped himself as someone the Waratahs need to look after.’’
HOW THE SUPER RUGBY U16 FINALE PLAYED OUT
The Reds caught the Waratahs on the hop early and were unlucky not to score in the opening three minutes.
But a few minutes later the Waratahs almost scored themselves with only a pressure wayward pass late preventing them putting points on the board.
In the seventh minutes big prop Kotarac barged over for the first game of the try before a converted try from star Reds player Hemi Rakuita put the hosts ahead.
Meafou unleashed a blistering 20 metre plus run after an intercept to put the Waratahs up 12-7.
A penalty kick from the Reds put the Queenslanders back within two before Polley rejoined the fray and beat two to score the Waratahs third try of the match after their out-of-sorts start.
After the Tahs took a 19-7 jump into halftime, Selesitino Mainakavika drove over for a great try in the second half as the Waratahs moved out to a 24-1- lead after Talen Risati converted his second.
The Reds then scored their second try of the bravery of captain Agapetos Lote-Felo to trail 26-15.
A purples patch then saw the Reds move to within just two of the Waratahs with nine minutes to play in the closest combat between the two academies in recent times.
But the Tahs hung tough to just take the win - and the Super Rugby U16s crown.
Aiden Luke and Isaac Fidock were the scorers in the Reds second half comeback with Isaac Kefu kicking two from the, Angus Underwood one from one and a penalty kick.
WARATAHS V REDS SUPER RUGBY U16 2024 FINALE TEAM LISTS
WARATAHS (1-15): Nicholas Kotarac, Oliver Smith, Hasani Bloomfield, Hamish Bull, Tahj Smith, Samuel Polley, Justice Taumopeau (c), Selesitino Mainakavika, Jeremy Rath, Talen Risati, Darcy Feltham, Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis, Cyrus Bloomfield, Creighton Meafou, Kden Carter. Replacements: Anakin Richardson, Tyson Burden, Roman Leilua, Charlie Grant, Henri Dempsey, Flynn Farrell, Ofa Latu, Jarryd King
REDS (1-15): Harrison Asi, Adrian de Klerk, Visesio Kite, Jack Calleja, Jack Burton, Dyer Akauola, Lincoln Dalton, Agapetos Lote-Felo (c), Alfie Bowman, Angus Underwood, Hemi Rakuita, Rohan Nichol, Taione Taka, Malakaih Beals, Dylan Terblanche. Replacements: Aiden Luke, Tyrece Hemiman, Gavin Wilson-Tyers, Manasa Railati Vunibola, Keegan Cook, Isaac Kefu, Pierre Poluleuligaga, Isaac Fidock
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