Waratahs v Reds U20s wrap as Tahs score big double against their rugby rivals

The coach singled out some special players for mention as the Waratahs under 20s completed a special double against the Queensland Reds in front of Aussie selectors. Stars, result wrap.

Waratahs' Brendan Palmer playing in the Under 19s Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels game last year. He was a first half try scorer against the Reds. Picture: John Appleyard.

With Aussie selectors watching on, the Waratahs under 20s completed a special double against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore on the weekend in a display their coach hopes will secure his charges a number national squad spots.

Having watched the Tahs U18s wallop the Reds in an earlier match, the Waratahs 20s made it a day of success on the road for the young guns of the NSW club with a 28 point win.

“It was a great win, a hard fought tussle,’’ said Waratahs coach Shannon Fraser post match.

“The back row were really excellent and that started with Luca Cleverley, Marshall Le Maitre, Toby Brial and also Jaciob Veiru off the bench was great as well.

“I also liked Kaleb Ah Colt. He carried well and we played him big minutes.

“Liam Grover, Brendan Palmer were very good, Brody McLaren was also very consistent and good under the high ball.

“All the selectors were here and they have now see out guys put their best foot forward with three dominant wins which we hope will help when the (Australian U20) squad is named.’’

Palmer produced some fancy footwork to star with a try either side of the break with his second one of the best of the day.

Eamon Doyle, playing Force earlier this month, captained the U20s in Queensland.

Despite the heat and humidity the Waratahs dominated from start to finish, scoring two tries to one in the first half to set up an early lead.

Loose-head prop Jack Cesare from Southern Districts scored the Waratahs opening points with

Newcastle flyer Brendan Palmer diving over soon after to put the Waratahs up 12-0 early in the match.

Big No.8 Vaiuta Latu then made the Reds presence felt with a pride-saving try.

With the Tahs leading 12-5 at the break, Joey Fowler, whose younger brother Jonty played in the Tahs U18s win earlier in the day, enlivened the game with his try soon after the break to put his side up 19-5.

Cooper Hoare then made a crucial try for the Reds to keep the hosts within striking distance before Palmer scored his second of the game.

LeMaitre and an inform Grover then went over for the Waratahs to nail the 40-12 victory.

Of concern for the Waratahs is a right ankle injury to Luca Cleverley who was helped off the field early in the second half.

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Originally published as Waratahs v Reds U20s wrap as Tahs score big double against their rugby rivals