The NSW Waratahs will play Victoria in Round 5 of the Super Rugby U16s competition this Sunday, travelling interstate to La Trobe University Sports Park in Melbourne.
With their spot in the Grand Final against Queensland Reds secured after a bye week, the side will test new elements of their game with major changes to the starting line-up.
Six new starters have been named to play against Victoria. In the forwards, Hugo Lestrange moves from the bench to start as loosehead prop. Talmage Lemusu and Thomas Chan join the front row, and Hunter Hall will make his first start at number 8. In the backs, Levi Ellis takes over at scrumhalf, and Tom Longland starts on the wing. There are also positional changes with Finn Hannon moving to fly-half and Eduardo Garcia Wood to the centres.
“This week it was important for all of the squad to get further exposure against strong opposition — to test players who might not have had that opportunity yet.” Waratahs attack coach Tristan Jones said.
“The players coming in are all quality players who have proven themselves at school and club, and the coaching staff want to see these boys play together in a structured environment,”
The Waratahs took time in their bye week to recover from the strong open to the season and have now shifted to preparation, aiming to keep their winning momentum going.
“The bye was a good opportunity to freshen up, with key players having the chance to rest their bodies and get over some niggling injuries,” Jones said.
“We had a solid week of prep and focused on detail on Tuesday. Thursday’s training will intensify to have the boys match-day ready.”
Travel is a valuable experience for this young group as they strive for a professional sporting future. The team looks forward to the opportunity to bond and grow on and off the field.
“Any opportunity to travel as a group is exciting, and the idea of getting on a plane with teammates is a great way to gel and experience the life of a professional player,” Jones said.
“The group has matured and bonded over the last few weeks, and this is another way for them to forge those connections,”
1 – Hugo Lestrange (Terrigal Trojans)
2 – Talmage Lemusu (Blacktown Scorpions)
3 – Thomas Chan (Lindfield Junior Rugby Club)
4 – Marlee Thomas (Dee Why Lions)
5 – Will Gencur (Lindfield Junior Rugby Club)
6 – Jayden Richards (Newport Rugby Club)
7 – Cooper Williams (Canowindra Pythons)
8 – Hunter Hall (Scone Brumbies)
9 – Levi Ellis (Blacktown Scorpions)
10 – Finn Hannon (Mosman Whales)
11 – Ben Wright (Randwick Warriors)
12 – Charlie Xuereb (Western Raptors)
13 – Eduardo Garcia Wood (Norths Pirates)
14 – Tom Longland (Collaroy Cougars)
15 – Asher Chapman (Kiama Rugby Club)
Interchange:
16 – Archie Hill (Dee Why Lions)
17 – Asera Peniata (Maitland Blacks)
18 – Kaiasi Talakai (Blacktown Scorpions)
19 – Rauri Basten (Lindfield Junior Rugby Club)
20 – Cordell Arama (Blacktown Scorpions)
21 – Izak Holmes (Newport Rugby Club)
22 – Ziyon Lepolo (Blacktown Scorpions)
23 – Wilson Ruthven (Collaroy Cougars)
Match Details:
Round 5: NSW Waratahs Vs Victoria U16s
Where: La Trobe University Sports Park (Rugby Fields) in Melbourne
When: Sunday, 26th of October
Kick Off: 2:00pm
