Sunnybank’s Netani Lesimaikimatuku has been installed at flyhalf for the Queensland Under-19s for Sunday’s clash at the Santos Festival of Rugby.
His first grade experience this season for the Dragons in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup swayed the decision to start him at No.10 against the NSW Waratahs in this Round Two clash in Super Rugby U19s.
The 1pm kick-off in Narrabri on Sunday gives the match top billing on the second day of the festival in country NSW after the Reds and Waratahs meet in Super Rugby AUS on Saturday (5:45pm AEST).
Towering prop Clay Hindmarsh and flanker Keanu Rasch, both from Bond University, have also won selection as two changes to the pack.
Reds U19s Head Coach Cian O’Connor said the players were switched-on to take greater advantage of their opportunities after the 26-17 loss to the ACT Brumbies at Ballymore last weekend.
“We’ve trained well and have done a good review. Probably, the biggest thing was the feeling we let ourselves down against the Brumbies,” O’Connor said.
“We played well in patches but had 13 turnovers in the attacking half so tidying up that execution is a priority.
“We know NSW will have a big pack so we have added some size to our own with Clay, as a big tighthead, and Keanu, who had impact off the bench for us last weekend.
“Netani and Charlie (Bird) are our two No.10s. We went with Netani’s experience to finish the game against the Brumbies.
“We need it at the start of the game on Sunday. He’s obviously played a lot of first grade this season and for the U19s last year.”
O’Connor said the game falling within a wider celebration of rugby in Narrabri at the Santos Festival of Rugby is highly appealing.
“It’s an exciting weekend in general with all the rugby being played. We fly in on Saturday and will have the chance to experience it,” O’Connor said.
“The Waratahs have plenty of pace in the backs so we will have to be on our game in defence as well.”
O’Connor said No.8 Angus Kelly and winger Ilan Cloete had been impressive against the Brumbies.
“Ilan was excellent. He did a lot of learning in a week and a half for a new position,” O’Connor said of a switch from the centres.
Queensland Reds U19s vs NSW Waratahs U19s
Dangar Park, Narrabri
1pm Sunday, September 21
Stan Sport and rugby.com.au YouTube
Queensland Reds U19s
1 Jacob Job - Wests
2 Harry Solofa - Wests
3 Clay Hindmarsh - Bond University
4 Kenny Harris - Bond University
5 Avery Thomson - GPS
6 Keanu Rasch - Bond University
7 Joe Stoddart - Easts
8 Angus Kelly - University of Queensland
9 James Prole - GPS
10 Netani Lesimaikimatuku - Sunnybank
11 Ilan Cloete - Easts
12 Ryan Heaton (c) - Norths
13 Josh Takai - Brothers
14 Jackson Hill - Brothers
15 Tom Howard - University of Queensland
Reserves
6 Will Pamenter - Wests
17 Lucas Oxley - Souths
25 Salesi Kali - Wests
19 Will Pascoe - Wests
20 Ezalle Matautia - Wests
21 Stanley Keats - Wests
22 Charlie Bird - Wests
23 Jackson Jury - Bond University
24 Reuben Downes - GPS
