Round three of Super Rugby U16s and U19s saw a host of players step up as finals rapidly approaches.
The NSW Waratahs were dominant in their victories over the Queensland Reds, claiming top spot in the U16s and U19s competitions.
However, the ACT Brumbies are hot on their heels with a game in hand after a clean sweep over the Melbourne Rebels.
Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey is among several keeping a keen eye on the action as they look to build for the future ahead of next year's World U20 Championships and potential U18s and Australian Schools matches.
Rugby.com.au looks at the teams of the week from both competitions as picked by Grey and National Pathways Manager Nic Henderson.
*Please note the Western Force had the bye in round three and will not feature
Once again, the team is largely made of NSW Waratahs after their 38-10 win over the Queensland Reds.
They make up nine selections in the team, including repeat selection Angus Grover from last week.
Grover is one of five NSW backs, with Harrison Dene, Onitoni Large, Heamasi Makasini and Rex Bassingthwaighte earning their second nomination in the team.
It's an all-Waratah back row made up of James Finegan, Jarvis Orr and Justice Taumoepeau, with prop Lewis Wilson rounding out their representation.
Despite the defeat, Reds second-row Bennett Armistead and centre Connor Clifford were included, with Armistead making it back-to-back selections.
A quartet of Brumbies round out the team after their 37-19 at Viking Park, headlined by hat-trick hero Denzel Veikune.
He is joined by forwards Darnel Uelese, Fletcher Burrows and Nicholas Bett.
Team of the Week
- Darnel Uelese (ACT Brumbies)
- Fletcher Burrows (ACT Brumbies)
- Lewis Wilson (NSW Waratahs)
- Bennett Armistead (Queensland Reds)
- Nicholas Bett (ACT Brumbies)
- James Finegan (NSW Waratahs)
- Jarvis Orr (NSW Waratahs)
- Justice Taumoepeau (NSW Waratahs)
- Angus Grover (Western Force)
- Harrison Dene (NSW Waratahs)
- Denzel Veikune(ACT Brumbies)
- Onitoni Large (NSW Waratahs)
- Connor Clifford (Queensland Reds)
- Heamasi Makasini (NSW Waratahs)
- Rex Bassingthwaighte (NSW Waratahs)
The U19s team is dominated by the Brumbies and Waratahs as they loom as the teams to beat heading into the final rounds of the regular season.
The Waratahs enjoy the majority of selections with seven as prop Jack Barrett makes it three weeks in a row.
Barrett's prop partner Jackson Steil is also included for the second straight week along with flanker Ben Di Staso, whilst number eight Phil Talaileva returns after his selection in round one.
Backs trio Oliver Schmude, Riley Langfield and Archie Saunders round out the NSW selections, with Saunders proving unstoppable in their 31-19 win.
As for the Brumbies, they have five included, with captain and Junior Wallaby Lachie Hooper leading the way.
Outside back Angus Staniforth earns his second selection, joined by scrumhalf Dan Nelson, hooker Boston Morete and lock Harvey Cordukes.
Reds lock Charlie Brosnan completes the forward pack whilst team-mate Ryley Bierton and Rebel Divad Palu earn selection for their strong performances in defeat.
Team of the Week
- Jack Barrett (NSW Waratahs)
- Boston Morete (ACT Brumbies)
- Jackson Steil (NSW Waratahs)
- Harvey Cordukes (ACT Brumbies)
- Charlie Brosnan (Queensland Reds)
- Ben Di Staso (NSW Waratahs)
- Lachlan Hooper (ACT Brumbies)
- Phil Talaileva (NSW Waratahs)
- Dan Nelson (ACT Brumbies)
- Oliver Schmude (NSW Waratahs)
- Ryley Bierton (Queensland Reds)
- Divad Palu (Melbourne Rebels)
- Archie Saunders (NSW Waratahs)
- Angus Staniforth (ACT Brumbies)
- Riley Langfield (NSW Waratahs)
