National U19 rugby championship: Gen Blue NSW Waratahs v Brumbies players to watch, team list

They started the national rugby season with a bang but the coach of the Gen Blue U19s wants more from his men against the Brumbies - and for certain players to step up.

Coach Mike Cross will field a similar side to the one that beat the Queensland Reds in the opener of the national U16, U19 rugby championships against the Brumbies on Sunday - but there are certain players he hopes will step up and make a big impact on the game.

The rookie U19 Waratahs came from 19-3 down to take the win off the Queensland Reds courtesy of a four-try second half.

But against the Brumbies, Cross wants to see a repeat of a 10 minute purple passage of three tries in the Reds match - but for significantly longer.

“The team won’t change too much. I want to see us play as much rugby as we can like the 10 minutes after halftime (against the Reds). I want to see us be physically dominant upfront, I want the big boys to carry hard and find space and I want the controllers to lead and keep speed high,’’ he said.

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Action in the U19 match between the young Waratahs and Reds. Pic: Kev Nagle.

Cross is looking to a number of his charges for a big game in round two in Sydney on Sunday.

“One of the big ones will be Jamie Clark who played for the Aussie Under 20s last year,’’ Cross said.

“He is able to play a full game now - he only played a half coming back from injury - and I’m looking for him the lead the scrum.

NSW Waratahs Under 18s v NSW Invitational U18 action in Sydney recently.

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“Clem Halaholo, who was vice-captain and got player of the day last round, I want to see carry the ball again and get through his work.

“And in the backs the main guys area Tom Goddard and Tom Morrison who played schoolboys together.

"I want them to control the tempo of the game. They have a good little relationship.

Waratahs player Clem Halaholo (L) with Wallaby Reece Hodge during the Australian Rugby World Cup 2027 bid launch.

“Another to watch is Jackson Ropato, there’s no backward steps with him. He goes as hard as he can and has good skills, hands and a bit of pace.

“Charlie Worthington is beside him. They play at Randwick and have an establish combination.’’

Cross said another player he is looking to make a big impact is lock Fritz Jahnke-Tavana.

“He has the ability to be one of the best players in his position in the country,’’ Cross said.

“He’s a guy who comes on and off the field, a super sub if you like, with good footwork. A guy who can change the game.

“When he works hard he is special.’’

Under 16 and under 19s matches will be played at David Phillips sports complex at Daceyville on Sunday.

NSW WARATAHS U19s TEAM V ACT BRUMBIES U19s

1 Jack Barrett (St Joseph’s College), 2 Albert Alcock (West Harbour), 3 Jamie Clark (Sydney University), 4 Oskar Hicks (Sydney University), 5 Jackson Knight (Gordon), 6 Clem Halaholo (Sydney University), 7 Hayden Maher (Randwick), 8 Sam Allsopp (Sydney University), 9 Tom Goddard (Eastwood), 10 Tom Morrison (Sydney University), 11 Aaron Dimovitch (Randwick), 12 Charlie Worthington (Randwick), 13 Jackson Ropata (Southern Districts) 14 Riley Hemsworth (Eastwood), 15 Jack Matthews (Sydney University), 16 Harvey McGregor (Eastern Suburbs), 17 Jayden Moujalli (Eastwood), 18 Tyee Manson (Sydney University), 19 Fritz Jahnke-Tavana (Southern Districts), 20 Will Martin (Sydney University) 21 Lachlan Cruickshank (Warringah), 22 Connor McMullen (Eastern Suburbs), 23 Luke McCready (Warringah).

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Originally published as National U19 rugby championship: Gen Blue NSW Waratahs v Brumbies players to watch, team list