Rising stars who stood out and a three try hero in NSW Waratahs v Reds U15s rugby battle, photos
It’s a taste of things to come, a critical showcase for rising stars of rugby and the annual battle between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds under 15s did not disappoint. Stars, photos
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The going was tough, the temperature high and the standard of the best young players from both sides of the border exceptional.
That was the verdict from Waratahs U15’s coach John Carters after his team travelled north to Queensland to take on their Reds Academy counterparts in the first of two matches.
It’s an important battle held annually between the two top academies in the country with Pride on the line for the young Waratahs who have dominated the battles in recent times.
But they didn’t disappoint, with the Waratahs taking the match 27-19.
“When our guys controlled the ball we look like a really good footy team,“ Carters said after just a limited time with his youngsters following their selection in the squad last month.
“We only had them for a week, but they really worked hard.”
Carters said the Queenslanders were a “very strong, large and skilful side” but he also liked the look of his own squad.
“All things considering our guys, when they controlled the ball, looked like a very good footy team,’’ he said
“I’m not surprised by them.
“They worked hard and they didn’t look flat and defended our line well.
“We gave away some penalties and need to fix things up a bit.
“ But it’s exciting for the future.’’
Carters was also impressed with the big and strong Queensland Reds side his youngster beat.
One of the stars of the Waratahs show was Asher Chapman who scored three tries for the Waratahs U15s.
“We had him on the wing, normally he’s at fullback and he was great,“ Carter said.
“He’s from Kiama which is wonderful to see and he has pace and ability to move.
“He’s very smart and very tough. He was great and scored three tries for us.’’
Despite Chapman’s try heroics, it was actually another player who earned Man of the Match honours in No. 12 Charlie Xureb.
“Charlie, he is just outstanding,’’ Carters said.
“He epitomises what it means to pull on our Waratah's jersey.
“He carries well, defends well and his repeated efforts were outstanding.’’
Carters also had praise for Billy Miller and captain Wilson Ruthven
“Billy was outstanding with the scrum and Wilson, our captain and fly half, controlled the ball as well. He was classy and silky” Carters said.
The return match between the two sides is this weekend.
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Waratahs Under 15 team for match 1: 1 Billy Miller, 2 Archie Hill, 3 Will Gleeson, 4 Will Gencur, 5 Marlee Thomas, 6 Jayden Richards, 7 Cooper Williams, 8 Jharall Sione, 9 Izak Holmes, 10 Wilson Ruthven (c), 11 Izaac Street, 12 Charlie Xureb, 13 Eduardo Garcia, 14 Asher Chapman, 15 Finn Hannon, 16 Talmage Lemusu, 17 Asera Peniata, 18 Ben Baretto, 19 Oscar Forsey, 20 Tom Symons, 21 Levi Ellis, 22 Payton Tarau, 23 Tom Longland.
Reds Under 15 team for the match: 1. Billy Campbell (NC), 2. Xavier Hill (NC), 3. Jeremiah Kite (BBC), 4. Denver Bradford (NC), 5. Fraser Boakes (BSHS), 6. Charlie Grieves (GT), 7. Keanu Saron (NC), 8. Teauariki Siaoloa (TSS), 9. Ralph Labor (BGS), 10. James Smith (TSS)
11. Harrison Taylor (SLC), 12. Billy Spicer (NC), 13. Harlem Faalafi (Padua College), 14. Jack Phinney (BSHS), 15. Chilli Tonelli – Smith (NC), Reserves: 16. Matti Gill (BSHS), 17. Viliami Tuli (IGS) 18. Luke Van der Nist (BBC) 19. William Slater (NC), 20. Henry Willis (BSHS). 21. Isaiah Nuku (BSHS), 22. Angus McPhail (IGS), 23. Tom Purcell (IGS).
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