Excitement filled the air as the U16s took to the field for the final time in 2024, facing the ultimate challenge of defeating the Reds in Queensland and claiming the 2024 Super Rugby U16 Champions.
The high-scoring, dynamic Tahs were forced into defensive mode from the opening whistle, as the Reds held early possession and launched back-to-back attacking phases. Two quick defensive penalties against the Tahs intensified the pressure as they continued to defend their line.
The Tahs' first touch on the ball ignited an explosive run up the left wing for 100 meters, though an unfortunate knock-on prevented an early try. This play, however, showcased the Tahs' attacking potential. It didn’t take long for them to capitalize, as a perfectly executed line-out set piece saw prop Nicholas Kotarac cover the final meters to open the scoring.
The Reds looked poised to respond immediately, running the length of the field until Samuel Polley intervened with a try-saving tackle—called high, resulting in yet a penalty. The opening 12 minutes saw repeated penalties in the Tahs' danger zone, but the team held firm, defending set after set.
Eventually, however, the Reds exposed the Tahs' defence, passing wide to find their winger, Angus Underwood, who scored the Reds' first try, with a successful conversion putting them ahead.
A yellow card to Samuel Polley left the Tahs down to 14 players, requiring even more defensive effort. Yet the Tahs managed to shift momentum despite being a man down as the Reds moved the ball along their backline, Creighton Meafou intercepted and sprinted to plant the ball under the posts, followed by a swift conversion.
A penalty in the Tahs' red zone allowed the Reds to add three points, narrowing the margin to two with the Tahs still ahead 25 minutes into the game.
Showing patience, the Tahs persisted with pick-and-drive tactics near the try line before spinning the ball out to Samuel Polley who just returned to the field, who dove into the corner for a team try. A difficult conversion from Talen Risati added two more points, sending the Tahs into halftime with a nine-point lead.
The second half kicked off with a series of penalties against the Reds, allowing the Tahs to keep up pressure through sustained attacking phases. A maul just meters from the line saw Selestino Mainakavika finish a pick-and-drive over the line, delivering the first points of the second half.
The Reds, determined to keep the game close, responded with a hard-fought try by captain Agapetos Lote-Felo.
Following a series of physical exchanges, the Tahs showcased their season-long dominance with a well-executed maul, pushing over the line to see No. 8 Selestino Mainakavika secure his second try of the day.
The Reds turned up the intensity with back-to-back tries, making it a two-point game. First, their outside backs passed out to Isaac Fidock, who fended off NSW defenders a try with a straightforward conversion, followed by another try from Aiden Luke as the Reds applied relentless pressure near the line.
With the final whistle approaching, the Reds made one last attempt to seize the lead, but the Tahs regained possession and kicked the ball out, claiming the title of 2024 Men's Super Rugby U16 Premiers.
Try Scorers: Nicholas Kotarac, Creighton Meafou, Samuel Polley, Selestino Mainakavika x2
Conversions: Talen Risati 2/4, Darcy Feltham 1/1
