A patient start from the Tahs set the stage for a commanding second half, as the squad continue their bold statement in the tournament. The Waratahs U16’s travelled to Queensland early on Sunday morning, the side had a clear goal; to gain their second win of the tournament and avenge the unfortunate loss of their younger counterparts in yesterday’s one point loss against the Reds. The Reds took the kick off and were quick to start an attacking opening with the Tahs needing to defend a series of strong phases. Tahj Smith was unfortunate to be called offside as the Reds took the penalty to secure the first three points of the game. The Reds looked like they are about to score a try as Hemi Rakuita darted down the sideline when Kden Carter made a try saving tackle and gained the Tahs their first play at the ball. The Reds continued to challenge the Tahs defence throughout a dominant attacking opening quarter as they found their first try off a pick and drive however the conversion was missed. Despite having limited possession in the opening quarter, the Tahs looked incredibly dangerous when they had the ball. Unfortunately, a series of critical errors, including knock-ons and forward passes, saw them surrender possession at key moments throughout the game. Creighton Meafou started the momentum shift for the Tahs as he made a dash down the sideline attempting a kick and chase for himself as the ball was grounded by the Reds. A quick scrum saw the ball pulled out the back as Selestino Mainakavika dove over the line for the Tahs first try. In what was hailed as the 'Try of the Season,' a pilfer by the Tahs led to a series of passes out to the sideline before the play was expertly weaved back to the middle, which resulted in a brilliant counterattacking try by Flynn Farrell. With two back-to-back tries going the Tahs way, the rattled Reds side saw Oliver Kennedy kick it out on the full. The momentum was maintained as an aerial ball flew down the sideline as Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis put in a strong chip and chase, collecting the ball and diving over the try line for his first try of the season. The half concluded with a yellow card against the Reds for an illegal tackle which left them down to 14 players. However, their captain, Agapetos Lote-Felo, managed to find the try line which sent the teams into halftime 13-19 with the Tahs in the lead. The second half kicked off with the Tahs determined to add to their lead, as Darcy Feltham powered through the last two Reds defenders to score. However, the Reds were far from quiet and capitalised on a numerical mismatch to push the ball out to the wing and secured a try, keeping the score difference at six. The Tahs began to dominate the second half, scoring three consecutive tries. The first came from a quick offload by Talen Risati who passed to Darcy Felthamto to serucue the points. Another came off the back of a powerful maul that led to Justice Taumoepeau crossing the line for another try. The third saw Kden Carter making a super dash down the sideline just being tackled on the line before a majestic off load to Jarryd King who ran it to the middle to ensure a simple conversion and strong lead. The Tahs began to control the second half, scoring four consecutive tries. The first came from a quick offload by Talen Risati to Darcy Feltham, securing valuable points. This was followed by another try off the back of a powerful maul, with Justice Taumoepeau powering over the line. The third and fourth tries came in quick succession. Kden Carter made a brilliant dash down the sideline. He was tackled near the line but managed a majestic offload to Jarryd King, who finished in the middle ensuring an easy conversion and a commanding lead.Minutes later, Carter and King connected again on the opposite wing for yet another try, further extending the Tahs' dominance. The game concluded with a score of 20-50, showcasing the Tahs' determination and grit as they head into Round 4 undefeated.
Scoreline:
Selestino Mainakavika
Flynn Farrell
Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis
Darcy Feltham x2
Justice Taumoepeau
Jarryd King x2 Conversion:
Talen Risati 5/8
