Battle for Junior Wallabies squad heats up in U19, U16 National Rugby series, ladder, results

It’s being used to shape the Junior Wallabies squad and selectors know what they like so far and what they want to see in the final rounds of the U19 national rugby championship.

The Gen Blue NSW Waratahs in action. Pics: Julian Andrews

There’s spots in the grand final and a home advantage on the line in the U19 national rugby championships on Sunday along with a another big chance to impress Australian selectors.

Australian Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey said there is still opportunity for young players to impress selectors ahead of a squad being announced following the national rugby championships.

The U19 and U16 national rugby competition heads into the final round this Sunday before the decider of the tournament is played out on November 15 at a venue still to be determined.

But with two weeks of matches remaining, Grey said there is plenty of opportunity for players to turn heads.

“There’s definitely plenty of room for people to put their hand in the air. Every game is an opportunity,” Grey said ahead of the upcoming final two weekends of play.

Young rugby gun signs with NRL club

Jack Matthews in the National U19 round three match. Pic: Julian Andrews

“We are seeing some players producing consistently and others playing well in one game but not another.’’

Gray said there have been plenty to impress in the opening four rounds of competition.

But there are areas he would still like to see improvement in as the competition heads to its finale.

“I want to see more connection from the line out,’ said the former Wallaby.

“The general execution of their line out hasn’t been great and I’d like that to be better.

“With the 19s the quality of the game is improving each time they play.

Tom Morrison in action.

“They are starting to click more, there have been chip and chases which is great and the quality of the football has been pretty good.

“Impressive has been some of the handling skills and ability to move into space.

“The speed the teams have come together and be able to play multiphase footy has been impressive.

“We thought they might be stop-starting but all-in-all the teams are keen to use the ball and the full length of the field.

“The physicality side has been impressive, there’s been really good collision and contests at the break out which is what we want.’’

The NSW Waratahs Gen Blue program is dominating the rugby championship. Pics: Julian Andrews

ROUND FIVE OF THE U16, U19 NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIPS

On Sunday Western Force host the Waratahs in both age groups, the Queensland Reds host the Melbourne Rebels and the Brumbies have the bye.

The Waratahs are undefeated in both divisions and guaranteed a spot in the grand final.

In the 19s competitions the Queensland Reds are second overall with a 2-1 win/loss record, the Brumbies third 2-2, the Rebels fourth 3-1 and the Force fifth 3-0.

In the 16s championship, the Waratahs are also undefeated with Force second with a 2-1 win/loss, the Reds third 1-2, the Brumbies fourth 1-3 and the Rebels fifth 1-0.

‘Rough diamond’: League nabs schoolboy rugby gun

Shock and awe: Waratahs mission

Click here to read more from AMANDA LULHAM