Super Rugby U16s 2023: Why Waratahs are one of our best teen footy teams, result wrap, GF stars

This group of rising stars has confirmed itself as one of Australia’s great teenage footy teams after winning the Super Rugby U16s again. Stars, standouts, grand final and season wrap

Players competing in the Waratahs v Reds grand final. Picture: Supplied/Rugby Australia

The NSW Waratahs U16 have made a case for themselves as one of the countries top teenage football teams by cleansweeping their Super Rugby competition for the second year with a 22-8 victory over their fiercest rugby rivals.

NSW youngsters representing the Tahs have now strung together 10 straight victories in the last 13 months to deliver the Waratahs the mantle of top rugby Academy after their big win over the Queensland Reds in Sunday’s 2023 grand final in Canberra.

They current side also recorded the biggest win of the competition in the 2023 season with their astounding 94-19 round five win over the Western Force.

And all this by a team coach Paul Cividin said worked into the season, rather than bringing top form into the early rounds.

During the regular season the Waratahs won all four of their matches, amassing the biggest and most emphatic scores of the competitions and a mighty 233 points.

“I’m so proud of these guys, so proud to wear the Waratahs jersey for the first time,’’ said captain Onitoni Large said after leading the Tahs to victory.

NSW’s try scorer Jarvis Orr put first points on the board for the Tahs in the grand final. Picture: Julian Andrews

STARS AND STANDOUTS OF SUPER RUGBY U16S RAND FINAL

With just 43 points racked up against them this season the young Waratahs went into the grand final in Canberra as favourites and more than lived up to expectations.

While the Reds were out to avenge their 38–10 round three loss to the Waratahs, it was Knox Grammar player Jarvis Orr who scored the opening try off some great teamwork by the young Tahs and with the Reds down a man.

Reds player Finn Mackay then kicked a penalty goal to keep his side in touch.

James Finegan then scored the second try of the match with the speedy pair of Rex Bassingthwaighte and Heamasi Makasini combining for a spectacular try late in the first half for the Waratahs.

Players competing in the Waratahs v Reds grand final. Picture: Supplied/Rugby Australia

A great passage of play triggered by dynamic No. 9 Angus Grover resulted in captain and centre Onitoni Large, who is going to rugby league with the West Tigers in 2024, scoring the Waratahs fourth try and first of the second half to put the Blues up 20-3.

Jony Fowler’s first conversion then put them ahead 22-3.

The Waratahs made mass changes around 52 minutes into the match, with the talented Matthew Gough one of the players coming off the bench.

The Reds finally broke through for their first five pointer in the 60th minute with Oliver Nasser diving over.

Waratahs gun and No. 8 Justice Taumoepeau was named player of the grand final.

“The Reds were amazing and the physicality out there was incredible,’’ said coach Cividin.

“This was the grand final and we got the voictory and you have to be happy with that.

“The level and standard of football at this age group is exciting for Australian rugby.

“This has been an amazing group with 36 boys involved and they did us proud.’’

The Reds could not stop the Waratahs undefeated run this season.

HOW WARATAHS WON THE SUPER RUGBY U16S COMP 2023

ROUND ONE: The young Waratahs started the season with a bang, downing the ACT Brumbies 50–5 in the opener with Tom Hartman dazzling with four tries and Harrison Dene converted five.

ROUND TWO: In round two against the Melbourne Rebels, the Waratahs again cracked the half ton with the 51–9 win at Box Hill rugby club.

This time it was Reilly Cassell who starred with a hat-trick of tries.

ROUND THREE: In round three Waratahs beat the Queensland Reds 38–10 in a match where Hartman scored his fifth try of the season.

The Waratahs were unstoppable in 2023. Picture: Supplied/Rugby Australia

ROUND FOUR: The Waratahs had the bye in round four.

ROUND FIVE: The Waratahs returned from their rest in round five and produced the biggest victory ever seen in the event.

The Waratahs defeated Western Force 94-19 in an extraordinary drubbing which saw the side outscored the opposition 14 tries to 3.

Matthew Gough, Angus Grover, Rex Bassingthwaighte were all multiple scorers.

Jonty Fowler converted seven in the match and Dene five.

SUPER RUGBY U16S GRAND FINAL TEAMS

WARATAHS (1-15): Marcus Mastro, Daryus Sione, Lewis Wilson, Isacc Fonua, Edward Baxter, James Finegan, Jarvis Orr, Justice Taumoepeau, Angus Grover, Jonty Fowler, Heamasi Makasini, Onitoni Large (c), Marcellus Iakopo, Tom Hartman, Rex Bassingthwaighte

Replacements: Keegan Daly, Hayden Lavercombe, Jerome Pongi, Noah Rylands, Cynseah Tautalafua, Harrison Dene, Matthew Gough, Jai Callaghan

REDS (1-15): Kingsley Uys (c), Liam Robinson, Berakah Tuifaasisina, Bennett Armistead, William Ross, Gray O’Neill, Oliver Nasser, Jack Randall, William Graham, Finn Mackay, Myles Rosemond, Max Blanch, Connor Clifford, Kilarney Lavender, Treyvon Pritchard

Replacements: Keido Goulding, Isaac Rauluni, Cyrus Suniula, Ed Kasprowicz, Trent Picot, Jack Brown, Fletcher Austin, Kiama Jione