Australian junior rugby championships day 3 recap

One side has come out firing on its home turf on day 3 of the Australian junior rugby championships but will be met with brutal opposition in Thursday’s finals. See the full recap.

Queensland Country celebrate their win over Brisbane City at the Australian Junior Rugby Union Championships.

Fresh faces and standout stars took centre stage for day three of the Australian junior rugby union championships on the Sunshine Coast.

With the under-18 boys enjoying a rest day before their finals on Thursday, 17 new teams from the the under-18 girls, under-16 boys and under-16s girls teams took to the field on Wednesday.

Both girls divisions will play their finals on Thursday while the under-16 boys will continue their round robin format.

Queensland Country came out with a point to prove in all three age groups, winning five of their six matches on day three.

In the girls under-16s division Queensland Country got their campaign started with a 22-0 result over their state rivals Brisbane City.

Queensland Country (blue) and Brisbane City (yellow) come together after their opening match at the Australian Junior Rugby Union Championships.

Following a quick turnaround after the recent Queensland Country Championships in Townsville, Country head coach Jessica Broadhurst said she was proud of how her side has come together.

“There was plenty of talent up in Townsville which made our job as selectors and coaches very hard but I think we selected the best 23 players,” she said.

“It’s always nice to put in a good early performance, there’s always plenty of motivation to get one over our arch rivals City but the match was also such a good driving point of how far the game has come between both sides.

“There’s so much work behind the scenes to give girls more opportunity in the 15-a-side format so it’s great to see.”

After a 69-0 victory over Tasmania in their second match of the day, Broadhurst said she hoped her side could continue their strong form.

“We’ve picked attacking weapons and really strong defensive players and what pleased me the most in our first match was our defensive effort,” she said.

“Brisbane City had plenty of opportunities and plenty of ball but we were cut-throat and didn’t let them execute their opportunities.”

Action from day three of the Australian Junior Rugby Union Championships. Picture: Clancy Blacklock.

Action from day three of the Australian Junior Rugby Union Championships. Picture: Clancy Blacklock.

Action from day three of the Australian Junior Rugby Union Championships. Picture: Clancy Blacklock.

Action from day three of the Australian Junior Rugby Union Championships. Picture: Clancy Blacklock.

Action from day three of the Australian Junior Rugby Union Championships. Picture: Clancy Blacklock.

Action from day three of the Australian Junior Rugby Union Championships. Picture: Clancy Blacklock.

Originally published as Australian junior rugby championships day 3 recap