The Waratahs U16s have made four changes their Round 4 tie against Reds U16s at Ballymore Stadium tomorrow (3PM kick-off AEDT).
Hooker Lukas Pendleton, lock Joe Weeks, flanker Andrew Larkin and scrum-half Riley Carr are added to the side that defeated Victoria U16s 74-37 at Eric Tweedale earlier this week.
Saturday’s tie will serve as a title decider, with the Reds U16s also undefeated this season. The Waratahs are looking to win their fifth consecutive Super Rugby U16s title, having won the first four editions of the competition.
Waratahs Head of Academy & Pathways Andrew Cleverley believes this is clear proof the Academy is producing strong players for senior level.
“As the Waratahs U16s strive for their fifth title it is a clear indication that the Academy program is heading in the right direction with its talent identification, coaching and style of play.
“The Waratahs Academy strives to provide opportunities for the best talent in Australia to progress in rugby union and performing in the fixture against the Reds is certainly a big step in that path.
“We have the intention of bringing home a fifth title, but we know it won’t be easy against a quality Reds side.”
Christopher Suaalii, younger brother of Wallaby Joseph, will again captain the side from loosehead prop.
Randwick wing Lucas Aholahi retains his place on the right wing after two consecutive hat tricks against Western Force and Victoria, while club teammate Emmet Hall is named on the opposite wing having registered 24 points against Victoria on Tuesday.
Saturday’s clash against the Reds is the second part of a double header, with the clubs’ U15s sides also facing each other beforehand at Ballymore (12:45PM kick-off AEDT).
Reds U16s v Waratahs U16s
Round 4 Swyftx Super Rugby U16s, Saturday 10 October, 3PM kick-off AEDT
Ballymore Stadium, 91 Clyde Rd, Herston QLD 4006
Starting XV:
- Christopher Suaalii (c), Dural, The King's School
- Lukas Pendleton, Randwick, Waverley College
- Joshua Taukafa, Easts, Waverley College
- Harrison Jones-Hughes, Narrabeen, St. Augustine's College
- Joe Weeks, Easts, Newington College
- Sia'a Taveuveu, Easts, Newington College
- Andrew Larkin, Drummoyne, St. Ignatius’ College
- Deon Haynes, Oatley, Newington College
- Riley Carr, Randwick, Waverley College
- Levi Perrett, Dural, The King's School
- Emmet Hall, Randwick, The Scots' College
- Lorima Seuseu, Oatley, Barker College
- Mavrix Tauasa, Easts, Patrician Brothers Blacktown
- Lucas Aholahi, Randwick, Holy Cross College
- Henry Perkins, Drummoyne, St. Ignatius' College
Replacements:
16. Mathias Toailoa, Easts, The Hills Sports High School
17. Antonio Azzi, Oatley, Trinity Grammar School
18. Sebastian Conna, Seaforth, St. Ignatius' College
19. Mitchell Spanton, Mosman, St. Joseph's College
20. Max Wintzer, Wahroonga, Barker College
21. Dontae Siofele, Easts, Patrician Brothers Fairfield
22. Kaiden Grace, Manly Savers, St. Augustine's College
23. Ollie Daniels, Merewether Carlton, St. Phillip's Christian College
24. Lachlan Mahoney, Gordon, Barker College
