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Players, skills coach Craig Roberts reckons are key to Waratahs Super Rugby U16s defence

Speed, power, skill and size. It’s the combination new Waratahs coach Craig Roberts hopes will extend the winning run of the club in the Super Rugby U16 competition starting this weekend.

Hasani Bloomfield graduated from the U15s last year in the Super Rugby U16s squad in 20204. Picture: John Appleyard
Hasani Bloomfield graduated from the U15s last year in the Super Rugby U16s squad in 20204. Picture: John Appleyard

Speed, power, skill and size. It’s the combination new Waratahs coach Craig Roberts hopes will extend the winning run of the club in the Super Rugby U16 competition when the Tahs hit the pitch in Sydney on Sunday.

The NSW Waratahs have the best record of any team across the U16s and U19s series since its return to the rugby calendar two seasons ago.

And Roberts believes he has the right personnel with the right skills to extend the Tahs undefeated run in 2024 - and cope with the pressure of having a large target on their backs.

“They want to improve at every training session. They are buying into the culture of educating themselves as professional athletes,” said Roberts, at the helm of the Waratahs U15 side last year.

“They are unbeaten in this age group but almost this same group was unbeaten as 15-year-olds against the Reds last year.”

The Waratahs open their campaign against the Rebels at Leichhardt Oval with Sunday’s matches at 11.35am (U16) and 1.35pm (U19).

Samuela Sorovi, left, is one to watch in the U16s Super Rugby. Picture: John Appleyard
Samuela Sorovi, left, is one to watch in the U16s Super Rugby. Picture: John Appleyard

Roberts said the Waratahs have a number of strengths and players he is excited to see compete at the elite level against rival academies across the tournament.

Not all will play in the opening game.

“We have a large explosive, powerful forward pack,” he said. “They are super strong and smart.

“We have an amazing back line returning with people like Talen Risati and Cyrus Bloomfield and Darcy Feltham.

“Talen has a great read on defence and knows when and how to attack.

“Cyrus has great balls skills and understand on making him self available for support.

“There’s also Kden Carter. He has amazing footwork and while he’s not big in stature he has some but some Greta skills.

“A lot of these boys have been together for two years and it’s created great connection.

There is buzz around the second season of Justice Taumoepeau in the under 16’s competition.

“We have a big, monstrous forward pack who are going to beat everyone up led by Justice.

“He’s a level headed competitor but ruthless in his accuracy.”

Roberts said he will rotate his players during the season.

Sunday, Leichhardt Oval,

Super Rugby Men’s U16: Round 1: NSW Waratahs Vs Melbourne Rebels

Kick off at 11:35am AEST.

Super Rugby Men’s U19: Round 1: NSW Waratahs Vs Melbourne Rebels

Kick off at 1:35pm AEST.

Coverage: Stan Sport.

Hasani Bloomfield has been named for round one
Hasani Bloomfield has been named for round one

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NSW Waratahs U16s team for game one of 2024 Super Rugby

Team: 1. Nicholas Kotarac, 2. Roman Leilua, 3. Amanaki Tangi, 4. Charlie Grant, 5. Gary Roberts, 6. Aston Weir, 7. Henri Dempsey, 8. Isaac Perkins, 9. Harry Whitaker ©, 10, Saxon Gaw, 11. Samuela Sorovi, 12. Ofa Latu, 13. Ashton Large, 14. Creighton Meafou, 15. Jack Kalms.

Finishers: 16. Oliver Smith, 17. Elijah-Blair Maile, 18. Hasani Bloomfield, 19. Josh Arundel, 20. Samuel Polley, 21. Flynn Farrell, 22. Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis, 23. Darcy Feltham,

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/players-skills-coach-craig-roberts-reckons-are-key-to-waratahs-super-rugby-u16s-defence/news-story/fec6d8963a64e99b74fabdffc959c920