Super Rugby 16s series: Stars, standouts of Waratahs v Brumbies round one battle and result wrap

There was a four-try performance from one teen and some head-turning performances by the “big boppers’’ as the Super Rugby 16s series kicked off. Stars of the Waratahs v Brumbies battle.

The Waratahs dominated the Super Rugby 16s match. Picture: Rugby Australia

Teenager Tom Hartman produced a sizzling three-try first half to help set up a perfect start to the newly named Super Rugby 16s series for the NSW Waratahs at Viking Park in Canberra on Saturday.

The athletic right winger from St Ignatius College Riverview, who scored a fourth try in the second half, was one of the stars of the show in a match dominated by the defending champions from the start but which coach Paul Cividin said indicates there is still plenty of improvement to be made.

“The result was good but discipline was a massive issue for us,’’ he said.

“There are a lot of areas for improvement. It’s not about the scoreboard, it’s about hitting the standards we want.’’

The Tahs ran in five tries to lead the Brumbies by a whopping 33-0 at halftime as the series showcasing the rising stars of the sport kicked off.

The Waratahs dominated their Super Rugby 16s match against the Brumbies. Picture: Rugby Australia

By game end the Tahs had racked up eight tries to completely dominate their season opener.

In a game where the forward pack played a vital role, there were numerous standouts including captain and speedster Onitoni Large who lead by example, the energetic Rex Bassingthwaighte from Dubbo and Barker College’s Harrison Dene from the northern beaches who nailed four from five first half conversions.

James Finegan opened the scoring the Tahs inside the first five minutes with Hartman then scoring his three in a row before replacement prop Marcus Mastro barged his way over late in the first half.

The Waratahs produced a dominating first half. Picture: Rugby Australia

Vice-captain Justice Taumoepeau (St Joseph’s College and Oatley Junior Rugby Club) scored the first try of the second half to put his side up 40-0.

The fresh legs of Trent Nagel then delivered the Brumbies their first try while Hartman went over for his fourth soon after.

Callum Grantham then scored the final try for the Waratah just before the siren.

“Tom (Hartman) had a good game and Justce was also good,’’ Cividin said.

“Angus Grover at nien I though was fantatsic as well and James Finegan was great.

“I think Issac (Fonua) was really sound in the middle and set the tone well. And Rex is a good natural instinct player.’’

The Waratahs dominated the Super Rugby 16s match. Picture: Rugby Australia

TEAM LISTS

NSW WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Lavercombe, Darcy Emmett, Lewis Wilson, Isacc Fonua, Edward Baxter, James Finegan, Jarvis Orr, Justice Taumoepeau, Angus Grover, Harrison Dene, Heamasi Makasini, Onitoni Large (c), Matthew Gough, Tom Hartman, Rex Bassingthwaighte

Replacements: Daryus Sione, Marcus Mastro, Keegan Daly, Ehren Little, Cynseah Tautalafua, Harry Beckett, Marcellus Iakopo, Callum Grantham

ACT BRUMBIES (1-15): Daniel Uelese, Fletcher Burrows, Moses Kaufusi, Maximus Nel, Harry Bodman (c), Nicholas Bett, Samuel Green, Blake Bretton, Liam Collett, Nate Pfitzner, Salesa Tupe, Joseph Philips, Denzel Veikune, Benedict Martino, Cameron Kirsten

Replacements: Issac Foster, Jamal Ud-Din Nazir, Benjamin Williment, Lucas Quester, CJ Nobile, Baxter Sicily, Bede Fogarty, Trent Nagel

Originally published as Super Rugby 16s series: Stars, standouts of Waratahs v Brumbies round one battle and result wrap