The NSW Waratahs U19s held on for a tense 31-24 win over the ACT Brumbies in the Super Rugby U19 Grand Final at Warringah Rugby Club on Sunday.
Fullback Louis Fenwicke proved the game-breaker, igniting the Waratahs’ second-half surge with two moments of brilliance which first swung the lead their way, then extended it, to ensure the silverware was brought back to Daceyville.
It came after the Brumbies raced out to a 14-0 lead in the first half before being reeled in by the home side.
“We started a bit on the back foot, the Brumbies came out strong,” Waratahs captain Marshall Le Maitre said after full-time.
“But once we settled and got back into the contest, we found our rhythm.”
“At half-time we spoke about exiting well, staying calm under pressure and keeping our discipline.”
“In the second half, our composure in the red zone really made the difference.
“We held on right to the end and earned ourselves the Super Rugby trophy — it’s an amazing feeling.”
It was Brumbies flyhalf Chace Oates who secured the first try of the game before the ACT captain Eli Langi drove over from close range.
The Waratahs opened their account as wing Tom Watts skipped down the left, found the overlap and finished in the corner.
The forwards then made their presence felt with a well-worked rolling maul, which ended with hooker Tyler Maybery peeling off and crashing over, levelling the scores inside the first 30 minutes.
Prop Edwin Langi, who was named Player of the Final, received a yellow card for a high tackle and the Brumbies knocked over a penalty goal for a 17-14 lead at the break.
The second half opened with a burst of individual brilliance from inside centre Zach Fittler. He created something out of nothing — finding a weak shoulder, charging through defenders and muscling over the line, to give the Waratahs their first lead of the match.
The advantage was short-lived however, as Brumbies outside centre Riley Whitfeld hit back almost immediately, stepping his way through traffic to level the scores once more.
Momentum shifted again when the Waratahs struck from a quick tap, as Fenwicke reacted fastest, diving for the line as defenders closed in.
The Waratahs’ forwards then took control, building sustained pressure, opening space for Fenwicke to claim his second try.
From there, the Waratahs were forced into a final defensive stand as the Brumbies attacked their line in a nail-biting finish.
Thankfully their defensive resolve held firm, sealing the victory and the club’s first Super Rugby U19 title since 2022.
Match Details
NSW Waratahs (31) defeat ACT Brumbies (24)
Location: Warringah Rugby Club
NSW Waratahs (31)
Tries: Louis Fenwicke 2, Tyler Maybery, Tom Watts, Zach Fittler
Conversions: Henry Conick (3/5)
ACT Brumbies (24)
Tries: Eli Langi, Chace Oates, Riley Whitfeld
Conversions: Chace Oates (3/3)
Penalty: Chace Oates (1/1)
