Colts 1 rugby: Who are the form players of the competition?
Club rugby: Colts 1’s in-form players leading into round 12 includes several from the competition’s sleeping giants, Easts Tigers, who were positioning for a tilt at the semi-finals. FULL LIST
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The Easts Tigers roared en route to a season best performance last weekend and will use its rousing Crosby Park victory as a platform to push toward the semi-finals.
The Tigers won 26-12 last Saturday against premiers Brothers, at one stage leading 26-nil in the second half after a breakdown masterclass of considerable intensity.
AIC FIRST XV RUGBY TEAM OF THE SEASON
Following four narrow losses earlier in the season, the Tigers have put three consecutive wins together (Norths, GPS, Brothers) and sit sixth, just two points behind fifth placed Norths.
Easts coach Jack Richards said while there was some frustration around the narrow losses, he did not panic because “we have been there, or there abouts’’.
And last Saturday the competition saw the best of an Easts side which dominated at the breakdowns.
Brothers owned the final third of the match, but trailing 26-nil the damage had been done by an outstanding team performance as Easts produced clean, efficient ball for halfback Archie Xavier, while also defending like demons.
In defence the Tigers front line blocked Brothers path forward, with centres Frankie Goldsbrough and Luke Hatherall outstanding.
Richards said his side had worked on taking hands away from the ruck and minimising chances of being penalised at the breakdown.
“We are a big unit and we are trying to embrace that and we put a real emphasis into that against Brothers,’’ Richards said.
“And we put an emphasis into two man tackles and flooding breakdowns.’’
In defence, Easts, at stages down to 13 men, still prevented Brothers from making headway for most of the match.
Brothers’ finally got rolling in the final 20 minutes, but overall coach Greg Beaver said his team’s intensity was lacking while the Tigers were sky high. “Full marks to them,’’ praised Beaver, who was delighted to see his flanker Cooper Cameron return and five-eight Charlie Johnstone continue to adjust back to the 15-man-a-side game after playing rugby league earlier in the year.
At Yoku road, GPS led 22-10 before a fast finishing Souths outfit, led by their forward pack, scored an unanswered 21 points to run away 31-22 victors.
The Magpies’ set piece was humming, with Cooper Hoare scoring one try off a rolling maul before the side was rewarded for their rolling maul domination later in the second half with a penalty try.
GPS right wing Matthew Ribot-de-Bresac bagged his second successive double for the home side, one a cracking intercept try, but after an evenly matched first half, Souths flipped a switch to ignite a gutsy second half ambush built on their defensive effort.
After GPS worked hard with Joe Doljanin yellow carded in the second half, Souths capitalised on tired bodies to score through Cooper Hoare, Slater Galloway and then earn a penalty try.
FIRST PHASE TERROR
While they didn’t get the win, there was plenty to like about the GPS attack, especially on the first phase where they made great inroads.
Fierce outside centre Joe Doljanin was the head of the snake, bounding over the advantage line with the ball wedged firmly under his left arm.
Midfielder Chris Jansen, fullback Spencer Alock, lock Xaelin Salakaia-Loto, Nick Harper and Ewald Kruger also made a terrific impact in this space.
DEFENCE WINS GAMES
Souths led 31-22 approaching full time and GPS pounded away for no return when in need of points.
For four minutes, Souths defended with their backs against the wall, big play after big play denying GPS that breakthrough.
While GPS front rowers Ewald Kruger and Nick Harper were excellent, there was no way through Cooper Hoare, Slater Galloway, Thomas O’Callaghan and teammates.
It was inspirational stuff that wins games and it was eclipsed in the final minute when Dian Minnie made a superb tackle around the ankles on Harry Gould while sprawled on the ground.
FORM PLAYERS ENTERING ROUND 12
Archie Xavier (Easts)
The Terrace old boy displayed beautiful hands clearing the ruck, took the correct options with his running game and brought his box kick into play once Brothers started to amass pressure in the second half. For coach Jack Richards, Xavier has been a big improver. “He had a challenging start to the season. He can do things no other player in the competition can do, but he had some things he needed to improve and he has improved those things out of sight. In terms of personnel, that (Archer’s improvement) is one thing which has changed the dynamic of what we are trying to do.’’
Frankie Goldsbrough and Luke Hatherall (Easts)
They were defensive bruise brothers in the centres, and battering rams with the ball who laid a platform for their supporting forwards and halfback Archie Xavier.
Goldsbrough also produced a long pass to generate an important try scored by Mac Kelley, but it was set up runs and driving tackles which impressed most.
Both Goldsbrough and Hatherall, a former First XI cricketer with BSHS, played great, team first games.
Griffin Schostakowski (Brothers)
While Brothers were lacking intensity, this work-a-holic lock was not. He was outstanding in trying to bustle Brothers back into the contact both on and off the ball.
For the standards he sets and his work ethic, Schostakowski must be a great bloke to have around a rugby club.
Patrick Dallimore (Brothers)
Another Nudgee product like Schostakowski, breakaway Dallimore has been producing one good showing after another.
Athletic across the park, Dallimore has returned from injury in style this season for the Brethren.
PJ Su’a (Easts)
It was nearly impossible to single a Tigers forward out last Saturday, but No. 8 Su’a was absolutely outstanding with his vim and vigour - and a try to boot. He also produced a try saving tackle late in the first half. It is not the first time this season the 2021 News Corp GPS Team of the Season selection has shone for Easts.
Campbell King (Wests)
The Bulldogs inside centre proved the difference two weeks ago with his golden boot goal kicking in a game won 35-29 over University, and last Saturday he knocked over another four conversions along with a drop goal in a 26-point win over Sunnybank.
But around the field this season he had also been a tremendous leader and an insightful player with the ball.
Rory Bliss (Wests)
Bliss is a coaches’ dream with his ball winning ability, organisation of the lineout and ability to disrupt the opposition ball.
The Churchie old boy is the type of tight forward you build grand final campaigns around.
Jack Spencer (Wests)
From the school of hard knocks, the former Queensland under-18 loosehead prop has linked with his old coach from Brisbane Grammar School, Phil Mooney, at the Kennel.
Spencer has been a tremendous leader and had a positive impact on the Wests forwards, traits which were again evident last weekend against Sunnybank.
Ryan Shaw (Wests)
Shaw is a classy five-eight who was outstanding last weekend against Sunnybank. The 2022
Brisbane Grammar School First XV captain, Shaw’s escalating career has flown effortlessly into the demanding colts one arena.
Shaw, the son of former Bulldogs’ stalwart Will, was a tremendous defender, clever with his tactical kicking and a threat with his carries when taking advantage of Wests’ forward superiority.
Charlie Cooke (Wests)
Terrace old boy Cooke has been one of the best players in the competition this season, and was comfortably one of Wests top three players in its win over Sunnybank last Saturday.
With a thirst for work which cannot be quenched, this athletic breakaway will again be front and centre when the Bulldogs confront Bond University.
Isaiah Kolopeaua (University)
A former Australian schoolboys prop, the man mountain has linked up with his old coach from the NSW academy and West Harbour systems, Josh Bray.
Playing tight-head, he is to the forefront of a fierce scrum that had the ability to dominate matches.
Moe Koroi and Daniel Christodoulou (University)
Together with prop Isaiah Kolopeaua (mentioned above), they form a terrific trio that will put the wind up the rest of the competition, so strong is the Red Heavies’ scrum.
So often big matches were won at scrum time which is why this squad cannot be discounted.
Mattias Agent (Sunnybank)
Sunybank’s lock and captain Mattias Agent has set the highest standards with his outstanding work rate around the park.
While he carries the ball often, it is his defence which sets the tone for the team and his leadership which lifts the side when things aren’t going their way.
Asalusi Nagicu (Sunnybank)
Brought into the starting team on game day against Bond University in round 10, fullback Nagicu was ruthless in defence and kick chase efforts.
In that game, Nagicu put Bond University’s back three of Ieuan Cornelius, Hunter Robinson and Justni Faber under pressure and he followed this up with a strong showing on the right wing against Wests.
Straight out of fiji, Nagicu’s athleticism and tackling ability has “brought a fresh energy into the team,” according to coach Rex Tapuai.
JD Sivivatu Kanth (Sunnybank)
Bench beast JD Sivivatu Kanth is an impact maker who can play anywhere in the front row.
With a powerful running game, hooker Kanth has swung momentum for the Dragons every time he has gotten the nod from coach Tapuai and has earnt his first start this weekend against Norths at home.
Dre-dyn Laban (Souths)
The wiry Souths fullback didn’t have a mesmerising game against GPS, but he was consistently a threat, made no mistakes and had a magic stroke to put Te Ohorei Totorewa over with an offload.
Laban, the BSHS old boy, has improved out of sight this season and made a difference at Yoku road on Saturday.
Slater Galloway and Cooper Hoare (Souths)
Slater Galloway, tighthead and Cooper Hoare, hooker, were having stellar campaigns and on Saturday kept their foot on the gas against a game GPS outfit.
They scored a try each, worked hard to earn a penalty try and were dominant in the scrum and on defence.
Ewald Kruger, Harry Gould, Nick Harper (GPS)
Tried and tested Colts 1 front rowers Harry Gould (loosehead) and Nick Harper (tighthead) were leading the way with their effort, alongside Toowoomba ace Kruger, a dynamic hooker with swift hands.
The terrific trio has been damaging close to the line and none work harder in close quarters.
Harper scored a terrific try at the weekend, while Kruger’s lineout throwing has improved dramatically in three months of competition.
Matthew Ribot-de-Bresac (GPS)
GPS’ right wing Matthew Ribot-de-Bresac, whose grandfather John played wing for the Australian rugby league team, scored two tries against Easts in round 10 and another two against Souths last weekend.
His anticipation on defence saw him score a stellar intercept try against Souths but his sound defence was flying under the radar with no points scored down his edge in the last fortnight.
Xalian Salakaia-Loto (GPS)
The towering blindside flanker has been getting better and better, with big men Avery Thomson and Pat Gavin also playing well.
Loto, the brother of Rebels hit man Lukhan, was playing with more confidence in his game and was influencing the lineouts - alongside Thomson who is finding his feet after missing the first half of the season.
Will McCulloch (Norths)
Australian Under-20s fullback Will McCulloch has been influential for the Eagles, bringing his Hospital Cup and U20s Rugby Championship experience into the fold.
A sleek mover with high IQ, walking threat McCulloch will be sorely missed over the next month while he contests the World Rugby Under-20 Championships in South Africa.
Sam Dickie (Norths)
Quicksilver right wing Sam Dickie is finding some form. His fantastic try off a deft Reidy grubber kick dabbed in behind the University defence last Saturday was proof.
His speed has seen him cross four times in the last month and he is finding ways to get himself into the contest with effort plays on both sides of the ball.
Ryan Heaton (Norths)
Does Ryan Heaton ever have a form slump? It seems the Nudgee old boy midfielder is always firing.
He was on Saturday when scoring a try in his first grade debut.
His fine vein of form all season long indicates he is a trusted and reliable performer.
A tough customer, Mr Consistent straightens the Norths attack and is the lynch point in the side’s defence.
Callum Reidy (Norths)
Possibly the most in-form player in the competition, Queensland Under-19s scrumhalf Reidy has controlled the game impressively with his passing and box-kicking.
His cover defence has also been a point of difference as of late.
Hunter Robinson (Bond University)
The Bullsharks right wing was improving with each game and has been a staple of consistency for the side.
A finisher, Robinson looms as a bolter for the Queensland Under-19s side.
Charles McCauley (Bond University)
Brisbane Grammar old boy Charles McCauley, Bond’s captain, is the head of the snake at the canal.
A toiler, McCauley is a prime mover with the ball in hand and has stepped up after spending time in Mick Heenan’s Hospital Cup team.
Will Carter (Bond University)
Bond’s blindside flanker Will Carter is somewhat of a quiet achiever and he was performing well prior to the bye round for his club.
A tireless tackler and brute in contact, flanker Carter has improved in leaps and bounds according to coach Rico Gear.
ROUND 12, Saturday
Wests v Bond Uni
Sunnybank v Norths
UQ v GPS
Souths v Brothers
Originally published as Colts 1 rugby: Who are the form players of the competition?
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