NSW Waratahs Gen Blue U16 spots up for grabs at City v Country for Reds, Brumbies, Rebels, Force games
Positions are still open for the rising stars of rugby to force their way into the NSW Waratahs Gen Blue U16 squad - but time is running out.
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Players have their last big opportunity to impress at the City v Country match at the end of the month with spots in the Gen Blue U16 squad still up for grabs after weekend matches.
Selectors will continue to monitor players with the City v Country match at the end of the month the last big opportunity for players to impress and force their way into the talent squad.
Waratahs head of talent identification Andrew Cleverley said he was impressed by the standard of players in four matches played in recent days in Sydney between Country and Schools teams.
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“We are really impressed with the standard, it has gone up,” Cleverley said
“We’ll have one more look at them but positions are still open.”
“We have had some injuries and illness and we’ll be watching these guys play 1st XV as well.
“We have a few decisions to make on the outside backs. Then we’ll make our decision on August 1.”
In Friday’s matches Sydney Juniors defeated NSW Schools II 34-21 with NSW Schools I beating Country Juniors 47-5.
On Sunday at Easts, Country and Schools II drew 17-17 while NSW Schools 1 beat Sydney Juniors 59-19.
“The results reflect the dominance of Schools 1. They had more training in Sydney and more continuity and really capitalised on mistakes,” Cleverley said.
“We really didn’t expect 59-19. The standard of rugby is extremely high for 16-year-olds.
“Country stepped up from Friday. They learned to step up the speed and the physicality.”
Cleverley said 32 players will be selected for the Gen Blue U16s squad to cover the potential for injury and illness.
“We have going for a flying-in fly out tournament over six weeks where we will play the other super rugby academies later this year,’’ he said.
“We will pick a score of 32. We’re hoping not to make any changes. We want to teach them all how to play and that should cover us for injury.
“Everyone is guaranteed one game, some off the bench.’’
Rugby Australia is assisting with some funding.
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Originally published as NSW Waratahs Gen Blue U16 spots up for grabs at City v Country for Reds, Brumbies, Rebels, Force games
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