Super Rugby U19s: ACT Brumbies nab top spot after out muscling NSW Waratahs on home turf
The Waratahs v ACT Brumbies battle has determined the favourite for the Super Rugby U19s title and left the other team scrambling to make the cut. Stars, photos and result wrap
They started the season in fine form but the wheels fell off the NSW Waratahs wagon on Saturday on home turf and against a fired-up ACT Brumbies.
The young Waratahs paid the price for a slow start, unforced errors and less intensity than their focused rivals at the start of the crucial match at Pittwater Park on Sydney’s northern beaches.
The victory wasn’t shocking but the five tries to two margin was a surprise with the Waratahs going into the match with two previous wins and buoyed by some tip-top form.
But in testing windy and at times wet conditions at Pittwater and against a team lead by two-try hero Jacob Wilcox, the Waratahs were exposed.
A win would have all but guaranteed the Waratahs a spot in the season decider while the loss means they are now dependant on their result in the final round and that of their closest rivals.
“We could be relying on bonus points and other results going out way,’’ said Waratahs coach Dan England after the 29-14 loss to the Brumbies on Saturday.
“They out did us in all contests today, worked harder at the set piece, transition and attack and defender well and el very fired up.’’
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England said there was plenty of feeling on the pitch given the number of former Sydney players now with the Brumbies academy, including the likes of Finn Baxter and Malakye Enasio
“There’s a close rivalry there, specially with so many Sydney people in their team. It’s more personal,’’ he said.
England said his side were complacent at the start but the loss will be a big learning for his team.
“There was no and urgency or willing to execute at a high level,’’ he aid.
Wilcox led by example with two tries with Lipina Ata, Silas Pilot and Bailey Buesnel also scoring.
Eamon Doyle and Tom Klem were the Waratahs try scorers.
WARATAHS (1-15): Nathaniel Tiitii, Charlie O’Kane, Kaleb Ah-Colt, Thomas Girle, Joe Mangelsdorf, Jacob Veiru, Josh Va’alotu, Eamon Doyle (c), Hwi Sharples, Joey Fowler, Brendan Palmer, Oscar Jorgensen, Liam Grover, Tom Klem, Sid Harvey
Replacements: William Guilfoyle, Jack Cesare, Tunui Jorgensen, Lachlan Doheny, Ezekiel Guttenbiel, Darcy Stanfield, Matteo Cleverley, Jozef Ah Kuoi
BRUMBIES (1-15): Finn Baxter, Lipina Ata, Komi Lester Tuitea, Ollie Aylmer, Billy Hansen, Jacob John, Jono Ryan, Beau Morrison, Lachlan Smith, Joe Dillon, Samson Tuqiri, Malakye Enasio, Hamish MacDonald, Silas Pilot, Shane Wilcox
Replacements: Bailey Buesnel, Joey Leuii, Liuaki Percival, Deveraux Tapelu, Matt Hanley, Wally Wentzel, Sam McLachlan, Patrick Broe
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