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You’d be forgiven for thinking there is no rugby for the next few weeks while the Wallabies make preparations for their upcoming Grand Slam tour – but if so, no one has told the pathways programs or the Wallaroos.
As the women in gold continue their WXV campaign in South Africa, the Super Rugby U16s and U19s competitions have kicked off in Australia – while the Australia U18s side has kicked off their two-match tour of New Zealand with a 57-47 win against the New Zealand Barbarians – and one name is on everyone’s mind.
Zach Fittler, the son of Rugby League legend Brad – and fresh off signing a new contract with the Waratahs – had his first experience in gold, coming off the bench in Hamilton. While no tries were scored, he made several promising carries, a sign of easing into his rapidly rising stardom.
Fittler’s inclusion headlined a side dominated by New South Wales and Queensland products – who overcame a strong start from the hosts in Hamilton to score several quality tries, with the set piece proving especially strong.
Edwin Langi enjoyed a strong start in the front row, having come off an incredible season in Sydney rugby with a 1sts Colts Premiership under his belt and earning a debut in the First Grade Shute Shield. However, his barnstorming running mate Kingsley Uys proved a key standout, bulldozing the Kiwi defence and picking up two tries for his efforts – in addition to being well supported by Nick Hill from the bench.
Loose forward Tom Robinson enjoyed a strong performance as captain of the side, as did Easts’ Frankie Goldsbrough as Vice Captain, with Eli Langi also highlighting a physically dominant performance, picking up the final try of the day.
While the Australian U18s galloped out past 50, in the mid-section of the second half, they had to contend with a fast-finishing New Zealand Barbarians who picked up two tries in the closing stages.
Defence will likely be a key focus going forward, as the New Zealand Schools side will offer significant challenges in that department.
The U18s will play their second match against New Zealand Schools on October 6th.
The Tahs have fired a massive warning shot to the rest of the competition in both the Super Rugby U16s and the Super Rugby U19s, dispatching the Melbourne Rebels in a ruthless display over the weekend.
The U16s Tahs come into their competition looking to defend their title crown – and demolished their southern counterparts 104-0.
Harry Whitaker, the nephew of former Wallaby Chris Whitaker, headlined much of the performance, with the captain diving over in the 5th minute to score the opening try.
Flanker Aston Weir picked up a double seeing the Tahs go up 38-0 at halftime. However, after a yellow card to Rebels flanker Faf Krueger for a deliberate knockdown, the floodgates opened in the second half, with replacement winger Darcy Feltham picking up a hattrick for his efforts.
The only real standout for the Rebels was loose forward Halaliku Lauhingoa, who put in the best shift in a dominated side.
The U19s Tahs also dispatched the Rebels in similarly ruthless fashion, winning 80-20 at Leichhardt Oval.
Oscar Jorgensen enjoyed a strong game with the ball, setting up several tries as the Tahs raced out to a 40-3 lead at halftime. Winger Brendan Palmer scored a hattrick, while centre Liam Grover also benefitted from a quality backline to score a double and put the game beyond doubt.
The Tahs may have also found a quality kicker in Sid Harvey, who impressed with several great conversions from the sideline.
However, despite being well beaten the Rebels had several players stand up in the second half, with replacement playmaker Edward Lyons the key standout, earning two tries for his efforts – alongside Harlequins produce and winger Journey Wana.
However, the games in both competitions were much closer down in Canberra, which saw the Brumbies host the Western Force at Viking Park.
The Force pulled off an incredible 19-18 win over the Brumbies in the U16s competition, showcasing the rising talent in the school and club system out of the WA program.
Coming back from 8-0 down early, the Force regained dominance through their set piece, with Front-rower and captain Dozion Laupama scoring right on halftime, before a penalty try from the Brumbies collapsing the maul in the second half giving them the lead.
The Brumbies backs picked up several tries and impressed, with Aidan Wusch and Tomas Jensen scoring tries, however the Force regained the lead through Laupama crossing for a second try.
The Brumbies had the chance to win the match with a try on full time, however, a wayward conversion saw the Force clinch victory.
However, the Brumbies would get their revenge in the U19s competition, starting their title defence with a 53-23 win.
Once again, the forwards proved the difference, with Lipina Ata enjoying a stellar game for the Brumbies as they dominated the Force pack. Beau Morrison and Finn Baxter also picked up tries for their efforts.
The Force did have their moments, with a try to Boston Fakafuna and Finn Press reducing the margin to one point – but from there on, the Brumbies galloped away to victory, with Junior Wallabies Shane Wilcox and Joe Dillon capping off the match for the hosts.
The Waratahs will enjoy a bye this weekend, while both competitions will see the Brumbies host the Reds at Viking Park, while the Rebels travel home to host the Western Force at La Trobe University.
The brumbies put together a solid performance in Super Rugby u19s (Photo: Brumbies Media)
Away from the men’s game, the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds have announced their teams for the Next Gen Sevens series, which will kicking off on Saturday in Sydney.
The series is set to take place over the next three weeks in Sydney, Towoomba and Byron Bay, with the focus on building the next crop of female Rugby Sevens talent. Maddison Levi, Teagan Levi, Faith Nathan, Madison Ashby, Bienne Terita and Kaitlin Shave have been among many of the players to come through the pathway.
The Australian Womens Sevens program has become one of the most successful in the world, with the current team winning the 2024 World Series competition – however as women’s sport continues to grow, the focus has shifted to ensuring talent can be retained within rugby union to maintain success.
Australian Sevens rookie Ruby Nicholas, who made her debut with the national side last season, will be included in the Waratahs side, while Queensland will see Olympian Kahli Henwood and 2023 Wallaroos Carys Dallinger and Melanie Wilks are also included in their squad.
Maddison Levi is one of the key products to come out of the Next Gen pathways. Photo: World Rugby
Heidi Dennis and Olympian Demi Hayes make returns from injury for Queensland, however they are set to be included in the extended squad.
“The Next Gen Sevens series is integral to recruit and develop the next generation of the best of the best ‘top gun’ oval ball athletes to represent Australia on the world stage,” said Sevens coach Tim Walsh in a press statement.
“This series prepares players for global travel with Australia A and builds depth for the future of the Australian Women’s Sevens program.”
NSW Waratahs Women’s 7s
Ruby Nicholas (Gordon)
Kilahla Duff (Manly)
Ella Fountaine (Burraneer)
Piper Simons (Gordon)
Milla Elaro (Gordon)
Mackenzie Davis (Burraneer)
Damita Betham (Gordon)
Ella Carlisle (Burraneer)
Chanel Williams (Sydney University)
Logan Lemusu (Manly)
Edie Burke (Gordon)
Chaela-lee Falls (Manly)
Amelia Whitaker (Randwick)
Jacinta Windsor (Easts)
Georgie Fowler (Gordon)
Tess Orton (Gordon)
Stephanie Kellaway (Gordon)
Tatum Bird (Manly)
Waiaria Ellis (Manly)
Pyper Marchant (Sydney University)
Tahlia O’Brien (Wollongong Tech Warriors)
Queensland Reds Women’s 7s
Sophie Duff (University of Queensland)
Emma Stockwell (Wests)
Rhani Hagan (Wests)
Carys Dallinger (Easts)
Amahli Hala (Bond University)
Zoe Waters (Toowoomba Bears)
Tahli Devine (Easts)
Meg Gemmell (University of Queensland)
Kaelyn Passi (Bond University)
Kianna Maclean (GPS Rugby Club)
Caitlin Urwin (University of Queensland)
Melanie Wilks (Bond University)
Fa’agase Tupuola-Palale (Bond University)
Tahlia Evans (University of Queensland)
Emmisyn Wynyard (GPS Rugby Club)
Piper Flynn (Easts)
Faythe Manera (Bond University)
Indiahna Frawley (Wests)
Madison Pomerenke (Brothers – Sunshine Coast)
Charli Nikola (N/A)
Ava Wereta (Bond University)
Taleah Ackland (Toowoomba Bears)
Fleur Ginn (Wests)
Kahli Henwood (GPS Rugby Club)
Heidi Dennis (Easts)
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.