The NSW U18 Waratahs have kicked off their 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, securing a 50-33 victory over the QLD Reds at Ballymore Stadium. The match was a physical and fast-paced encounter, with both teams showing attacking intent from the outset.
The day began early for the Tahs, who met at Sydney Airport on Saturday morning before flying to Queensland. A quick bus ride brought the team to Ballymore Stadium, where they immediately turned their focus to game-day preparations. After strapping up and warming up, the squad held their final unit meetings before running onto the field at 12:15 pm.
From the opening whistle, both teams looked to impose themselves. The Reds kicked off and capitalised on early handling errors from the Tahs, applying relentless pressure inside their opposition’s red zone. The pressure soon paid off, with Reds player Kingsley Uys crossing for the first points of the match.
However, the Waratahs quickly responded, executing a precise line-out on the 22-meter line that transitioned into a rolling maul, allowing TJ Talaileva to crash over the try line. The Reds immediately fired back, storming into the attacking half, but a crucial knock-on halted their momentum and gave the Tahs time to reset their defensive structure.
With newfound rhythm, the Waratahs moved the ball swiftly through hands, creating space for Jarvis Orr to dive over for another try. The Reds retaliated once more, edging ahead on the scoreboard before the Waratahs responded, executing another rolling maul off a line-out for a well-earned try. The chaotic final minutes of the half saw the Reds capitalize on defensive lapses, scoring back-to-back tries and taking a 28-19 lead into the break.
Determined not to let the game slip away, the Waratahs came out firing in the second half. A well-placed box kick led to immense kick pressure, allowing Max Palmisani to collect the ball and sprint under the posts, setting the tone for a resurgent Tahs performance. Momentum continued to shift in the Tahs favour as Matthew Gough made a strong dash up the sideline, before a Reds handling error handed the Tahs a crucial line-out. From there, TJ Talaileva secured his second try of the match.
Jarvis Orr continued his stellar form, adding another try to extend the Waratahs’ lead, but the Reds refused to back down. A clever kick-and-chase manoeuvre saw Damon Humphrys claw back points for Queensland. However, the Waratahs had the final say, with Tyson Burden and Hasani Bloomfield each crossing the line to seal a commanding 50-33 victory.
After the game, Jonty Fowler reflected on the performance, acknowledging both the challenges and the positives from the match. “It was a tough battle, especially with this being our first game together. The boys were a bit slow at times, but the heat played a factor.”
Discussing the halftime deficit, Fowler remained confident in the team’s ability to turn things around. “We knew we had the win in us if we showed patience in our attack and executed well. Our forwards really stepped up in the second half, and that made the difference.”
