The Super Rugby Men’s U16s regular season wrapped up over the weekend, with the NSW Waratahs and the Queensland Reds reaffirming why they are the two sides set to face off in this weekend’s final.
The Reds consigned the Brumbies to the bottom of the ladder with a 58-14 win at Ballymore, leaving the ACT side to finish the season without a win.
The Waratahs, meanwhile, blasted a brave Victorian side, with the hosts having their moments but eventually ending their season with a 79-7 loss at La Trobe University.
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The sole Victorian inclusion, Fiu held his own at set piece against an imposing Waratahs outfit.
One of the few areas in which the hosts achieved parity with the Waratahs was the scrum, with their loosehead prop being a major reason for it.
Against a strong Brumbies lineout, the Reds’ hooker had a brilliant day out, capping the win off with a perfect afternoon at the lineout.
Also grabbing a try assist for his efforts, Hill has likely done enough to earn a final start this weekend.
The Talakai name continues to deliver for Australian rugby, with Kaiasi Talakai impressing off the bench in the second half for the defending champions.
His efforts at the scrum kept things under control for the Waratahs, but combined with two turnovers, the prop made all sorts of issues for the Victorians.
Fraser Boakes enjoyed an all-round solid game, being heavily involved in the lineout, set piece and general play.
Making nine carries and nabbing a linebreak assist, his hunger for work was what impressed most.
The sole Brumby inclusion in this week, Cooper Leslie put in a phenomenal performance in a well-beaten side.
While making many carries and being a leader at the lineout, Leslie (along with teammate Harrison McIntyre) topped the tackle count for the weekend, with an impressive 15 tackles made.
A perfect day defensively, Goodwin backed up with two linebreaks to challenge the Brumbies’ defence, not committing a single infringement in the whole game.
Making ten carries, having a perfect day defensively, and causing all sorts of problems for the Brumbies, Gill worked as a solid combination partner with Goodwin to up the work rate.
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Having a bumper day in Victoria, capped off by a meat pie, Hunter Hall was everywhere for the Waratahs.
Making ten tackles and forcing a linebreak, the youngster impressed across the full match.
Serving as the perfect foundation for a firing Waratah backline, Ellis combined perfectly with halves partner Finn Hannon.
Complete with several handy runs, he had plenty to deliver across his 45-minute performance.
Combined with Ellis, Hannon was an ideal pick to include in the team of the week, impressing across the entire season.
Busting two tackles and making two linebreaks as well as unleashing the backline, it’s the sort of performance that should get Tahs fans excited about their halves prospects.
Robinson was a nightmare for the Brumbies, busting five tackles and making a linebreak to be right at home in Ballymore.
Completing it with a try, it was a comprehensive performance on a great afternoon for the Sunshine State.
Smith is back in the team of the week for the second time running, busting two defenders, scoring a try and serving as a handy kicking option off the tee.
It further bodes well for the centre options coming out of the Reds.
Speaking of which, Smith partnered brilliantly with Karter Iva, the outside centre, causing all sorts of carnage with a hat-trick of tries against the Brumbies.
Beating an astonishing 12 defenders and making a linebreak across his 13 carries, it was a statement performance for the exciting Queenslander.
Benjamin Wright also joins the list after causing similar headaches for Victoria, busting five tackles and making four linebreaks on his way to a hat-trick of tries.
It further reinforces the growing wing options on display in Australia, with back-three options aplenty from the Wallabies down.
Capping it off, Asher Chapman’s try against the Victorians was the icing on the cake of a great regular season for the talent.
Busting five tackles, making three linebreaks, and throwing two offloads and two try assists, Chapman has the makings of a ruthless fullback for the sky blue jersey.
