Super Rugby U19s: Players Jnr Wallabies selectors want for next World Cup, Rd 1 result wrap

Teens in the Super Rugby U19 series are vying for more than just match wins with Junior Wallabies squad spots on the line. Skills selectors want to see improved, plus round one result wrap.

Action from the opening round of the competition. Picture: Rugby Australia

Australian Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Gray said there were valuable lessons learned from the last U20 World Cup in South Africa where the young Australian side finished fifth and they will be applied in choosing a new squad.

Gray and fellow selector are monitoring the rebranded Super Rugby 19s series which kicked off last weekend as they search for a new squad to compete at the 2024 World Cup for the best under 20 players in thew world.

Gray said there are specific things he is looking for from players competing in the U19 series being played out between Academy teams from all the Super Ruby clubs.

“For me the big component is speed in our break down and decision-making in our contact and physicality. We need to improve a lot,’’ Gray said.

“I mean about the confrontation part of the game, our dominance in tackle. We were poor at this at the World Cup.

WARATAHS 16S ON FIRE

RUGBY FUTURE ON SHOW

Action from the opening round of the competition. Picture: Rugby Australia

“Our physicality when carrying the ball … opportunity to recycle the ball.

“We need to increase our speed into the collisions and aggressions.’’

Gray said there are other traits he and selectors will be looking for during the national series which heads into round two for both the U19 and the U16’s this weekend.

“From a skills perspective we want players able to identify space and use their passing … players with schools and confidence,“ he said.

“We need the skill finesse and other parts of the game as well.

“If you are a hooker and front rower and good all round the park but your set piece is not up to scratch it will be hard to pick you.

“That set piece execution is very important.’’

Gray said he expects this season to be on a new level after the success of the national series last year which was won by the NSW Waratahs in both the under 16 and under 19 competitions.

“It will be a step up again of intensity and level,’’ he said.

“There’s a real buzz about it. The players had nothing but glowing support about it. It’s good footy, and of a high quality.’’

SUPER RUGBY U19S 2023 ROUND ONE RESULT WRAP

Western Force back Rower Dylan Bronlund was one of the stars of the opening round as he helped his side to a rollicking 48–5 victory over the Melbourne Rebels.

Bronlund went over for four tries with another star Vaughn Robson who came off the bench for two

Western Force now travel to Ballymore to take on the Queensland Reds on October 8.

There was heartbreak for the defending champion NSW Waratahs intheir first U19 match.

The Tahs had the away match ripped from their grip in the dying stages.

The ACT Brumbies took a 24–20 to win off the young Waratahs with a penalty goal after the siren.

The Waratahs travel to Box Hill this weekend to meet the Melbourne Rebels in round two on Saturday.

Western Force heads the ladder with a win and bonus point in round one from the Brumbies, Waratahs, Reds - who have yet to play a match - and Rebels.