Waratahs U20s stars in battle with Western Force as Brad Fittler watches on, scorers, photos

A famous name from rugby league watched on as the Waratahs U20s played to impress against Western Force ahead of Aussie U20 squad selection. Stars, standouts and great photos.

Jacob Veiru copping attention in the Waratahs U20s battle. Pictures: Julian Andrews

There were some big moments and big hits from the big men of the Waratahs U20s while their speedsters flew in an entertaining battle with Western Force on Saturday ahead of Aussie U20 squad selection,

The Waratahs made the most of hosting the match at their Dacyville headquarters but the 38-14 scoreline failed to reflect the closeness of the game.

The Waratahs outscored Western Force six tries to two with coach Shannon Fraser more than impressed with his young side - but with one player in particular.

Sydney Uni lock Joe Mangelsdorf was a standout for Fraser in the match.

Big tight-head prob Kaleb Ah Colt and scrumhalf Tony Brial also got special mentions for their performance in a game watched by NRL legend Brad Fittler, in the stands supporting son Zach. who started the match.

Waratah’s U20 player Joe Mangelsdorf was a star of he victory. Picture: Julian Andrews

Winger Jay McKenzie was the star of the scoreboard with three tries while Brody McLaren, Marshall Le Maitre and Hadley Tonga all chipped in with a try each.

McKenzie was last year in the Australian U18 squad but failed to make the final 26 who toured to New Zealand.

Jonty Fowler also had a good game with the boot, converting five from six.

Brad Fitler was an interested spectator in the match his son Zach started in.

Another great try for the U20 @NSWWaratahs in their battle with @westernforce at Waratahs HQ #rugbypic.twitter.com/y7oDUZYQd8

— amanda lulham (@amandalulham) March 8, 2025

Force scored twice in the second half with former NSW young gun Bostona Fakafanua going over along with 16-year-old Chase Bunce off the bench,

Finn Prass converted both tries for Force.

”It was a good tight hitout. We probably got some cheap points in some transition early on but we certainly had to work for the rest of it,’’ Fraser said.

“I though Joe Mangelsdorf was outstanding. He threw himself into everything.

“His detail was excellent, I though he was excellent.

“Toby Brial was very good early on.

“I also though Kaleb Ah Colt did some good things.

“He had to get that scrum sorted after the first couple and he did a really good job of bringing that together.’’

08/03/25. News Local. Sport. Daceyville, Sydney, NSW. Pics by Julian Andrews. Action pictures from the NSW Waratahs U20 V Western Force at Daceyville. Waratahs player Joe Mangelsdorf

Waratahs teenager Toby Brial was another standout.

Fraser also had compliments for his speedsters, Rugby Sevens loans Harvey and Tonga and also McKenzie.

“He finishes well, he has some good pace, good skills and is abrasive in contact.

“He came to Canberra for the Australian 18s but didn’t make the final 26.

“He’s been there and about for a while.

“I also though Jonty Fowler played really well across the board.

“He distributed well, defended well, played the right players at the right time and kept to script really well.

Fraser said his charged have plenty of work to do ahead of their next battle against the Queensland Reds in Queensland next Saturday.

Cooper Watters on the burst.

Waratahs rising star Jonty Fowler.

Jay McKenzie scores the first of his two first half tries.

Jacob Veiru in the match.

Waratah player Zach Fitler started the match on Saturday.

Eamon Doyle captained the Waratahs U20s

Waratahs player Louis Fenwicke

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Originally published as Waratahs U20s stars in battle with Western Force as Brad Fittler watches on, scorers, photos