The Queensland Reds Under-15s absorbed tough lessons with a 55-12 loss to the NSW Waratahs at Ballymore Stadium today.
The Reds started with intent and a try to lead 5-0. They defended stouted too in the opening exchanges before conceding an intercept try and a 20-minute red card sharply turned momentum.
The young Reds had got the ideal start in the second minute with a direct rush of early pressure. No.8 Wendall Wilhelmus timed his pass perfectly to put prop Nicholas Sartor into a gap.
Sartor's offload was well-executed and headgeared hooker Elliott Foote turned it into a 5-0 lead with a gallop and a change of pace.
Unable to slow the Waratahs' quick ruck ball put the Reds on the back foot constantly against the sky blue attackers. Pushing passes and impatience did not help when regrouping and finding a way to turn the tide was needed.
The young Waratahs were slick on the front foot with try-scoring fullback Sid Maxwell leading the way.
Time was up when the Reds did sustain good pressure. Replacements Samson Tofilau and Kilipati Lea were both part of a succession of strong carries and good ball control in the Waratahs quarter.
Finally, prop Marcus Jacobs was able to plunge over. His effort earlier in the movement meant jogging back to retrieve headgear he'd lost in a previous involvement.
NSW WARATAHS U15s 55
d
QUEENSLAND REDS U15s 12
Tries: Elliott Foote, Marcus Jacobs
Conversion: Rocky Filikitonga
Half-time: Waratahs 26-Reds 5
Venue: Ballymore Stadium
