Australia U16 v Pacific All Stars 2023 standouts, scorers, result and top players, photos
There were sensational tries and bruising hits from some of the biggest teens in rugby as the Australian U16s side went toe-to-toe with the Pacific All Stars side. Stars, standouts and result wrap.
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They were sensational tries, pick-ups and bruising hits from some of the biggest teens in rugby as the Australian U16s side went toe-to-toe with the Pacific All Stars side in Canberra on Tuesday.
Country speedster Rex Bassingthwaite unleashed his electrifying speed to score two tries in an impressive performance for the Australian side.
The Dubbo young gun played with the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby U16s series this year with his try scoring feats there earning him his first Australian jersey.
The Australian side scored six tries in the match to the Pacific All Stars’ two to claim a well deserved 34-12 victory.
The Australians opened the scoring when 99 kilo big man Heamasi Makasini, a product of the NSW Waratahs, bored his way over less than three minutes into the match.
But a fired-up All Stars were quick to respond as the even bigger All Stars skipper Cynseah Tautalafua, around 120 kilos, equalised in the seventh minute.
Australian were awarded a penalty try off a rolling maul soon after before Dubbo flyer Rex Bassingthwaighte went over for his first try off a stray ball put the Australians up 17-5.
A great pass from captain Grover to a flying Tom Hartman sent the Australians to the sheds with confidence and a 22-5 lead.
The All Stars were hindered by being a man down with Jerome Pongi binned in the first half ands Filipe Huahulu in the second.
The Australians came out with intent in the second half with Bassingthwaighte flying over for his second try soon after.
Kingsley Uys from the Queensland Reds put the finishing touches on the Australians performance with a late try.
Halfback Jireh Stewart rewarded the All Stars for their tenacity with their second try.
Young No. 9 Grover’s combination with Onitoni Large was another highlight of the match.
“Rex played really well, so did Louis Treacy and Jarvis Orr, he just got through a ton of work,’’ said Australian coach Tim Rapp.
“Angus (Grover) had a very good game. He tried hard and is always willing to put the team first. Tom Hartman was good and Heamasi (Makasini), well he’s just frightening. And Justice Taumoepeau, we have to remember that kid is only 15 and playing up a year. He was one of the top five on the footy field today.
“There are lots of blokes we are going to see in the future.
“Absolutely we will see some of them at the 2027 World Cup.’’
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