The NSW Waratahs have claimed the Super Rugby U19s title, but they had to dig deep to overcome a motivated Brumbies outfit to win 31-24 at Pittwater Rugby Park.
The Brumbies came into the match as the two-time defending champions, but also with extra motivation following the sudden passing of Joey Henry, who featured as part of their successful 2024 campaign.
Watch the Super Rugby AUS Final live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Coming into the clash, the Waratahs were riding on three big wins to a home final, looking to claim their first title since 2022, and first under the rebranded Super Rugby U19s rebrand.
The Brumbies had booked a final spot with wins over the Force and Reds, before conceding an early lead in their loss to the Waratahs.
The hosts started the final in much the same way as their wider season, with tries to Tom Watts and Tyler Maybery seeing them race out to a 14-0 lead.
However, the defending champions struck back quickly, with tries to Chace Oates and Eli Langi, plus Oates' boot seeing the scores draw level.
The Brumbies would continue to push as the Waratahs fought back until Oates broke the deadlock on halftime with a penalty goal for a 17-14 lead.
It wouldn't take long for the Waratahs to strike back, with Zach Fittler producing the try of the day to get the hosts back in front by four.
However, the Brumbies would reclaim the lead five minutes later, as Riley Whitfield scored their third try.
Louis Fenwicke would grab one back for the Tahs, giving them a slim two-point lead as the final quarter of the match commenced.
As the final ten minutes began, the Brumbies turned to their set piece, hounding the Waratahs' line.
However, a penalty to the hosts relieved pressure - and they pounced, with Fenwicke scoring his second to push their margin to seven.
As the clock went red, the Brumbies found themselves in an attacking position, with the Waratahs conceding penalty after penalty. However, with a final chance to draw even, the hosts held the ball up over the line, proving the difference.
The result is the Waratahs' third title overall, and first since 2022.
NSW WARATAHS 31 (Tries: Watts, Maybery, Fittler, Fenwicke 2. Cons: Conick 3/5) def ACT BRUMBIES 24 (Tries: Oates, Langi, Whitfield. Cons: Oates 3/3. Pen: Oates 1/1. Cards: Edwin Langi)
