Super Rugby U16s: Stars, scorers, great photos from NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds in Rrd 3
It took them a while but the NSW Waratahs finally found their groove against the Queensland Reds as one of rugby’s best rivalries ignited in the Super Rugby U16s. Stars, great photos.
The NSW Waratahs recovered from a slow start to produce an eight try to three win over arch rivals, the Queensland Reds, in what is expected to be a preview of the final of the Super Rugby U16s competition in 2024.
On the Reds turf, the Waratahs took time to find their groove in the round three match of the competition showcasing the best young talent in the game from around Australia.
But once they did it was a show of power from the U16s side who have been unbeaten in three seasons of competition.
The 50-20 win also comes after a first round 104-0 victory over the Rebels and then a week’s bye.
It was also achieved by a side completely different from the one that ran out in round one as coach Craig Roberts put into play his policy of giving all his squad a run before deciding on combinations for the business part of the season.
“It is all about opportunity, giving them all a go,’’ he said.
“We can now start looking for combinations for the grand final.
“We have footage of every player and now we can go forward with it.’’
Roberts said Tadj Smith was the Waratahs man of the match with a number of other players impressing on the day despite a slow start he put down to it being his young charges first away match.
“Tadj was great. He carried the ball well, he played on the edge, he was a voice in the lineout and led our edge defence,’’ Roberts said.
“Darcy (Feltham, who scored two tries) also had a great game and Cyrus (Bloomfield) showed why he is the No. 1 centre in the country.
“Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis was also good as was Flynn Farrell and Justice (Taumoepeau).
“Justice and Tadj, they dominated. They are amazing leaders.’’
The Reds came out strongly to dominate the first six minute and go ahead 3-0 off a penalty kick.
Incredibly the defending champions didn’t get possession until six minutes in and incurred numerous penalties as they scrambled to match the early intensity of the Reds.
In the eighth minute the Reds went over for the first time with country rugby gun Selestino Mainakavika finally put first points on the board for the Waratahs, to lift the mood of the visitors.
Soon after and after around 21 minutes of play, the Waratahs finally found their groove with a great team effort finished off by Flynn Farrell.
Other tryscorers for the Waraths were Jarryd King with two, Feltham with two, Taumopeau and Anitelea-Tsioussis.
NSW Waratahs U16s: Lawson Armstrong, Oliver Smith, Hasani Bloomfield, Tahj Smith, Josh Arundel, Samuel Polley, Justice Taumoepeau, Selestino Mainakavika, Flynn Farrell, Talen Risati, Darcy Feltham, Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis, Cyrus Bloomfield, Creighton Meafou, Kden Carter, Anakin Richardson, Nicholas Kotorac, Amanaki Tangi, Charlie Grant, Henri Dempsey, Harry Whitaker, Ofa Latu, Jarryd King.
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