Stars, standouts as Australian U16s clash with Waratahs 17s in testing rugby tryfest, results, photos

There was bash, crash, a captain courageous, a three-try purple patch and eight outstanding tries in the torrid battle between the Australia U16s and Waratahs U17s. Stars, standouts, wrap

Action in the Australia U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match at Concord Oval. Pictures: Karen Watson/Rugby Australia

There was bash, crash, a captain courageous, a three-try purple patch, seven outstanding tries and very happy coach as the Australian U16s team recovered from a slow start for a pride-saving 43-5 victory over a Waratahs U17s outfit.

It took 20 minutes and a hydration break for the Australian U16s rugby team to spark up and then produce their tryfest in testing conditions at Concord Oval.

A five minute, three-try purple patch straight after the water break kickstarted the dominating performance by the best rugby talent in the country in hot and humid conditions.

Prior to this it was the Waratahs U17s -missing top names to give other players exposure to selectors - who looked the goods and who had scored the first try of the match in the opening three minutes thanks to Darius Sione off a rolling maul.

The Australian team were unable to respond until the 21st minute and after a brief break for water with Taioni Taka from Brisbane Boys College turning the tide for the young Australian team.

The Waratahs came out firing in the first half to score the first try of the match. Pictures: Karen Watson/Rugby Australia

“I think all of them did really well today but what I really loved were the multiple touches,’’ said coach Tim Rapp.

“The future is bright. Both teams had quality footballers and we can just hope we can retain them.’’

Rapp blamed the high heat for the slow start by his charges.

“I think they cooked themselves. The heat was always going to be hard and I think everyone played a little too hard,’’ he said.

The Australian U16s played the NSW Waratahs U17s at Concord Oval.

“I was pleased by the way they got back into it and did what they did.

“Another of the best things was what we had worked on - workrate and support.’’

Rapp said captain Justice Taumoepeau was one of the standouts for the Australian U16s.

“He worked hard and led well. He’s a quality kid,’’ Rapp said of the Sydney star who scored the first try of the second half.

Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s at Concord Oval, Concord - Thursday 12 December 2024

The Australians went on a try scoring spree.

“Alfie (Bowman) the halfback did really well and ran some good support and Aston Weir had a brave work ethic.

“Tahj (Smith) pushed through and then ran 40. We asked him to do it and he just did it.’’

The Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match was splayed in hot and humid conditions.

The Taka try after the water break sparked the young Australian side who finally found their groove with successive quick tries from Alfie Bowman from Anglican Church Grammar andTahj Smith from Barker College in Sydney.

Bowman capitalising off a sharp pass from Jarryd King for the second try of the game just minutes later with Smith then completing the impressive trifecta.

Action from the Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match

Action from the Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match

Action from the Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match

A Talen Risati kick then delivered the Australians a 17–5 lead going into the break.

Captain Justice Taumoepeau from St Joseph’s College showed his worth and composure with the first try of the second half to put the Australians up 22-5

Taumoepeau is considered one of the biggest talents in youth rugby and has regularly played up a year due to his strength and talent.

Action from the Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match

Action from the Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match

Replacement prop Harrison Asi from Brisbane Boys High got in on the action soon after as the Waratahs U17s faded in the face of the Australian U16s attack.

Darcy Feltham, who just missed scoring his first try some minutes earlier, made sure Australia stayed well ahead with the sixth try of the game soon after before Aidan Wunsch came into the game to score the Australian’s seventh.

Risati, from The Kings school, ended the game with four from seven conversions.

Action from the Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match

Action from the Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match

Action from the Australian U16s v NSW Waratahs U17s match

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Originally published as Stars, standouts as Australian U16s clash with Waratahs 17s in testing rugby tryfest, results, photos