The NSW Waratahs have emerged as clear frontrunners in this year’s Next Gen Sevens tournament, winning all four of their matches at Forshaw Rugby Park in Sydney on Sunday.
They opened the action with a 31-22 victory against the ACT Brumbies. Amelia Whitaker was the star for the home side, scoring two of the team’s tries.
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After the Waratahs scored the first three tries of the match,the Brumbies pulled one back just before half time.
They then pulled two more tries back in quick succession to start the second half, threatening an unlikely comeback.
They fell short, though, with the Waratahs scoring a try to pull clear of their opposition.
The Waratahs followed this up with a 24-12 win against the Queensland Reds, with Chanel Williams scoring the decisive try to maintain the Waratahs’ positive start to the day.
Their finest performance of the day, however, came when they faced the Brumbies again, winning 39-5, with Amelia Whitaker starring again with three tries.
Their final match of the day saw them defeat the Queensland Reds narrowly, 22-17.
The Waratahs’ dominance meant that it was largely a disappointing day for the Brumbies and Reds. In their match at 12.30pm, the Brumbies defeated the Reds 17-10 for their only victory of the day. The Reds were winless from their three matches.
Not all hope was lost for either team, though, with narrow losses and strong individual performances suggesting that there is every chance they will come out fighting in the next round.
The Brumbies will be pleased with the form of Brooklyn Joyce and Ella Ryan, who both scored multiple tries for the team.
For the Reds, Charli Nikola performed exceptionally, scoring all her team’s three tries in the 22-17 defeat to the Waratahs. Taleah Ackland also maintained her strong form, scoring four tries for the day.
Despite the Waratahs’ dominance at Forshaw Rugby Park, all the signs suggest that there will be some intense rugby in the third round of action at Brumbies HQ on 31st August.
