The Western Force U16s are up to second on the Super Rugby Men’s U16s ladder following a 29-19 victory away to the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
The Force triumphed five tries to three, with Kalamunda winger Tyrese Wainohu opening the scoring, before tries to locks Oscar Sio and Enzo Kyle, followed by hookers Jamie Mackenzie and Harry Jenkins.
In fine conditions with a strong wind at Brumbies HQ, the Force performed strongly led by their forward pack, with back-rower Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage and Kalani Onno standing out, although the latter got into trouble with the referee late on.
Generally, the Force’s discipline was a key factor with the Brumbies having several yellow cards, while the visitors’ kicking game was shrewd in the breeze.
The Force led 24-7 at the break after scoring four tries to one, but the Brumbies’ two second-half tries denied the visitors a bonus point.
The result means the Force have nine points from three games, with NSW Waratahs – who won 54-45 over the Queensland Reds – well clear on top of the standings at the conclusion of Round 3.
The Force are next in action in an all-important clash against the third-placed Reds (5 points from 2 games) at Success Regional Sporting Facility from 1pm next Sunday 19 October, followed by the opening game of the North vs South Women’s Series from 3pm at the Southern Lions venue (free entry).
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The visitors took the lead early after Brums winger Cayden Cross was binned for a slap down on a Force attacking opportunity. From the ensuing lineout, impressive Nedlands back-rower Lachlan Ilott drove to the line, before scrum-half Daniel Kroczek-Crack spread right for Kalamunda winger Wainohu to score.
The Brumbies pressed, but the Force produced excellent maul defence to force them to lose the ball forward within 5m of the try line.
The Force’s second try came after a strong Onno carry, before Kalamunda second-rower Oscar Sio swooped for his second try of the campaign. Mandurah’s Kaiawha Heke nailed the tough conversion in windy conditions.
The Brumbies replied from a free-flowing move down the right as Oliver Henderson shifted to William Hall to score in the right corner, their first five-pointer of the season.
The home side were reduced to 14 again, with Jack Maguire binned, in the lead-up to the Force’s third try with Kroczek-Crack finding Mandurah lock Enzo Kyle to score.
Onno continued his dominant first half with a strong drive into the 22, before captain Kleine-Deters Ausage was held up over the try line. Wests Scarborough hooker Mackenzie scored on the back of a rolling maul shortly after to lead 24-7 at half-time.
The Force pulled further ahead when Scots College hooker Jenkins crossed following a lineout maul.
The Brumbies kept the pressure on, with Will Bullock dotting after Cross’ excellent run down the left.
Onno managed a breakdown steal, before being yellow carded minutes later. The Brums also had Henderson binned for a late shot on Joondalup winger Marco Nel.
With five minutes to play, Cross gave the contest a pulse with a scorching run down the left edge to score a converted try for 29-17.
In the dying minutes, Onno was handed a red card for his second yellow after an off-the-ball scuffle, initiated by the Brumbies.
The Force pressed for a sixth try but Elia Vodovodo’s error ended any hopes of another to earn a bonus point.
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ACT Brumbies 19
Tries: Hall (23’), Bullock (40’), Cross (66’)
Conversions: Henderson 1/2, Callaway 1/1
Penalties: Nil
Western Force 29
Tries: Wainohu (7’), Sio (20’), Kyle (26’), Mackenzie (32’), Jenkins (38’)
Conversions: Heke 2/5
Penalties: Nil
