The Waratahs U16’s dominated their first match against the Melbourne Rebels setting an all-time Waratahs Academy Record.
Following a wet morning the weather cleared at Leichhardt Oval for the opening whistle of the Waratah U16’s 2024 Super Rugby campaign. The first five minutes of the game saw a fierce battle for field position with both sides eager to gain the opening points and build momentum. The Waratahs held the upper hand, spending most of the opening quarter deep in the Rebels' 20-meter zone, showing patience with their attacking formation. It wasn’t long before the fast hands of #14 Creighton Meafou connected with Waratahs U16 captain Harry Whitaker in open space. Whitaker charged through the final metres to score, putting the first points on the board.
Harry Whitaker once again stepped up not long later kicking a 40-22 setting the tone of the dominant game to come. At the 13-minute mark, Ofa Latu appeared to have barged through for the Waratahs' second try but was held up just short. Following a quick ruck, Roman Leilua powered through three defenders to score.
Two more impressive tries from Saxon Gaw and Harry Whitaker, both successfully converted by Gaw, pushed the Waratahs to a commanding 24-0 lead. Their dominant performance continued to overwhelm the Rebels, when the momentum continued when Isaac Perkins delivered a thunderous tackle, driving back his opponent and setting the stage for a quick steal by Aston Weir. Weir sprinted 30 meters with defenders in pursuit before powering over the line to plant the ball under the posts further extending the Waratahs' lead.
As the half time siren sounded Aston Weir ran through the middle of the field throwing a fake pass and sprinting down the centre where he secured his second try of the half. The waratahs U16’s went into half time with a commanding 36-0 lead.
The second half opened with perfectly for the Waratahs with a series of passes from Ashton Large to Aston Weir, then to Samuela Sorovi, who twisted around his defender and slammed the ball down for a try. This set the tone for the Waratahs' continued complete control throughout the second half.
Later in the half, another elite combination unfolded as Flynn Farrell linked up with Ofa Latu, who passed to Jack Kalms, propelling the ball swiftly up the field. A quick ruck from Charlie Grant set the stage, flicking the ball to Oliver Smith, who charged forward and secured an impressive try.
The final score was a breathtaking 104-0 setting an all-time Waratahs U16 academy record and impressive statement as the team heads into a bye for week two of the tournament.
Team captain, Harry Whittaker spoke on the team’s performance saying, “[It was a] really good start to the tournament. We were looking to start fast, start hard.”
“The backs did a really great job out there we all have a few things to work on like aways but overall, really happy with how the boys showed up today and set the tone for the competition.”
Try Scorers:
Harry Whittaker x2
Roman Leilua
Henri Dempsey
Aston Weir x2
Samuela Sorovi
Ashton Large
Oliver Smith x2
Hassani Bloomfield
Samuel Polley
Darcy Feltham x3
Ofa Latu
Conversions:
Saxon Gaw 12/16
