“We need to switch on, be ready and execute.” The NSW Waratahs U19s are looking to rise to the occasion ahead of this weekend’s critical interstate clash.
After a bye for round two of the U19 Super Rugby tournament the NSW U19 Waratahs are feeling well rested and eager to get back on the field to take on their biggest rivals, the Queensland Reds.
During the week off, the Tahs took the opportunity to review their round 1 performance and ensure that they improve in all areas of the game. Having three training sessions in the bye, the Tahs are looking well-conditioned and explosive as they prepare to travel to Queensland on Sunday.
Tom Girle, a starting second row player for the Tahs reflected on the round one game, “[A stand out player was] Austin Durbidge at the breakdown really lifted when the Rebels were attacking in our 22, it allowed us to get a pilfer meaning we weren’t defending our line for long and allowed our backs to really shine and get the tries.”
Tom emphasised the importance of leadership within the young group, “When you are down in your own 22 and you have a set piece or a line out, those game leaders like Eamon, Joey and Brendan step up and get everyone together, making a genuine plan so everyone knows their roles and execute as one.”
The Waratahs U19’s exceptional 80-20 dominant performance in Round 1 against the Victorian Rebels saw eight of the fifteen players being selected as part of the Rugby AU ‘Team of the Week’. This showcases the impressive outfit of the side and the breadth of ability in the group as they all look to make repeat selection for round 3.
The Waratahs are excited to be at full strength this week, bolstered by the return of two pivotal players bringing their own style and exciting flair.
Hwi Sharples makes his much-anticipated return after a 15-week recovery from a complete tear of his right hamstring, sustained during the Under-20 Australia tour in South Africa earlier this year. His return is a major boost for the team, as Hwi played a crucial role in the 2023 Under-18 NSW vs Queensland clash.
Nate TiiTii is also set to return this weekend after breaking his hand earlier in the season. Despite the setback, he has worked diligently through recovery, reducing his time on the sidelines to just six weeks.
The Reds secured their first win of the season in round two with a commanding 53-12 victory over the Brumbies, Tom spoke on the challenges of travel as a team and what their focus areas will be; “This week is our first week traveling so we will fly up to Queensland Sunday morning meaning we will all need to prepare particularly well the night before. As soon as we are off that flight we need to switch on, be ready and execute.”
“The Reds have their strength in set piece, we really need to lock down the forwards to put pressure on their backs and limit their tries. They scored four tries off the back of their maul on the weekend so we will need to understand their attacking advantage and mitigate it."
With both sides coming off impressive wins from their respective opening fixtures, this Sunday’s game is set to be a must-watch for all.
Super Rugby Men’s U19 – Round 3: NSW Waratahs vs QLD Reds.
Sunday October 13 at Norths Rugby Club, Brisbane.
Kick off at 3:05pm AEDT.
The match will be broadcast live and ad-free on Stan Sport.
- Nathaniel TiiTii
- Charlie O'Kane
- Will Goddard
- Thomas Girle
- Joe Mangelsdorf
- Jacob Veiru
- Austin Durbidge
- Eamon Doyle ©
- Hwi Sharples
- Joey Fowler
- Brendan Palmer
- Oscar Jorgensen
- Liam Grover
- Thomas Klem
- Sid Harvey
- William Guilfoyle
- Jack Cesare
- Kaleb Ah-Colt
- Lachlan Doheny
- Josh Va'alotu
- Darcy Stanfield
- Matteo Cleverley
- Felix Turinui
