Waratahs teens on alert for extreme Force in crucial National rugby championship U16 match

The stakes are high and the Waratahs know their final opposition in the U16 rugby championship rounds will be “gunning for them”. But they have a plan.

Toby Brial in the National U16 round three match against the Melbourne Rebels.

A place in the grand final is on the line for Western Force in the U16 national rugby championship on Sunday and that has the Waratahs coach just a tad nervous.

Coach Paul Cividin said he didn’t need Force to be any more motivated with a long trip from Sydney to WA, a late arrival, an overnight stay, a game and then a return trip to Sydney in less than 28 hours already hard enough to deal with.

“They look great, we saw the way they played and yes, they are very dangerous,’' said Cividin, who has helped the young Waratahs navigate their way to three straight wins this competition heading into the fifth round.

“Beating them over there is a lot to ask and we are not taking them lightly at all.

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Leo Jaques and Charlie Poynton tackle Tainui Whakaari in the National U16 round three match between teenagers from the NSW Waratahs Gen Blue program and Melbourne Rebels at Daceyville. Pics: Julian Andrews

“And this match will decide who meets us in the grand final and we know they will be absolutely gunning for us.

“I don’t actually think they needed any more incentive.’’

But while Cividin and his coaching team have studied plenty of video of Force games, the U16s coach said the focus will be on the Tahs own game and their playing unity.

This plan has seen the Tahs remain undefeated, rack up the biggest win of the entire competition and secure an early grand final berth.

Ollie Aboud celebrates scoring against the Melbourne Rebels at Daceyville. Pics: Julian Andrews

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“The whole squad needs to do their job and they all know their role,” he said.

“We haven’t been too reliant on any one individual and I think that’s been part of our success.”

Cividin has identified a number of dangermen from Western Force his charges need to be wary of.

He said the side boasts one of the best flankers in the competition in Luke Holt-Brown and has talent across the board.

“He's one of the men we are wary of.’’ he said. “They also have Brodie Mainwaring, the number 10, who is a boy who has a great passing game, is a good tactical kicker and leads his team around well.

“And Christoffel Jansen, the No 12, he does big things defensively each week.”

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Originally published as Waratahs teens on alert for extreme Force in crucial National rugby championship U16 match