Super Rugby U16s stars and standouts in Waratahs trial v ACT Brumbies

It was the first real indication of how the Waratahs are shaping up for their defence of the U16s title in the upcoming Super Rugby comp. It’s also caused a major headache for selectors.

The NSW Waratahs go into the Super Rugby series as defending champions. Pics: Julian Andrews

It was their first and only trial but its is clear the NSW Waratahs will take some beating in this year’s Super Rugby U16 series starting later this month.

The young guns of the Tahs Academy fell just shy of a 100 point tally in their trial against their ACT Brumbies opposites on a wild and windy day in Wollongong on Sunday.

The Waratahs took the trial match 94-12 in a morale boosters for players but a performance which has done little to make the job of Waratahs selectors easier ahead of their first team selection later this month.

“We’ve got some tough decisions to make,’’ said Waratahs head of talent Andew Cleverley.

“Pretty much everyone scored today.

”The backs ran riot.’’

The Waratahs will train internally before their first match of Super Rugby.

Scorers in the match included Justice Taumoepeau, who is returning after playing up last year, Talen Risati, Cyrus Bloomfield, Tahj Smith, Creighton Meafou, Darcy Feltham, Jarryd King, Samuel Sorovi, Kden Carter and Jack Kalms

“We have a few bumps and bruises,’’ Cleverley said.

“We’ll go back to training and then pick 23 for the match against Victoria Rugby in round one.’

Standouts on Sunday included Taumoepeau, Tahj Smith and Selstino Mainakavika.

Cleverly said the U16s team is shaping up well and showing plenty of promise.

“We have the ability to move the ball, create space and make it challenging for defending teams,’’ he said.

“We have some speed and evasion and the boys have the ability to offload of not well tackled.

“I think the selection panel has a real challenge on their hands.’’

NSW Waratahs U16s Squad:

Forwards: Ilyizaz Viliamu, Lawson Armstrong, Tyson Burden, Oliver Smith, Anakin Richardson, Roman Leilua, Hasani Bloomfield, Nicholas Kotarac, Amanaki Tangi, Tahj Smith, Hamish Bull, Josh Arundel, Gary Roberts, Isileli Moli, Samuel Polley, Justice Taumoepeau, Aston Weir, Henri Dempsey, Selestino Mainakavika, Isaac Perkins, Charlie Grant.

Backs: Flynn Farrell, Jeremy Rath, Harry Whitaker, Saxon Gaw, Talen Risati, Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis, Creighton Meafou, Cyrus Bloomfield, Ashton Large, Ofa Latu, Darcy Feltham, Jarryd King, Samuela Sorovi, Kden Carter, Jack Kalms

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Originally published as Super Rugby U16s stars and standouts in Waratahs trial v ACT Brumbies