A bonus-point bonanza in Perth has created a rails run for two Queensland Reds teams to reach the Super Rugby U16s and U19s finals at Ballymore Stadium.
The Reds ran in 15 tries in all today to win 48-5 in the U16s and 45-17 in the U19s against the Western Force in Perth.
The ramifications are most significant for the U19s after the high-flying NSW Waratahs were upset 29-14 by the ACT Brumbies in the wet on Saturday.
The Waratahs tumbled from hot favourites to win the U19s title to outsiders to even reach the final with not even a losing bonus point from the game.
The November 3 finals day at Ballymore Stadium is the target for all teams.
On the U19s ladder, the Brumbies (15 points), with a final round bye ahead, lead the Reds (10) and the Waratahs (nine).
Should the Reds rattle up some tries to take care of the Melbourne Rebels U19s at Ballymore on Saturday in the final regular season round, they will jump to 15 and shut the Waratahs out of any chance to qualify.
In the U16s, the unbeaten Waratahs (15) and Reds (10) lead. Again, a solid Reds win over a Rebels U16s side, vanquished 104-0 by the Waratahs, will cement a berth in the final.
The Reds U19s produced some thrilling long-range tries in Perth. The number of players who contributed was a major plus.
Bullocking No.8 Vaiuta Latu made a big run down the right touchline in the opening 10 minutes before unloading to headgeared livewire Daniel Malum.
Malum’s kick ahead bounced perfectly for flyhalf Brody McLaren’s try and a 14-0 lead.
McLaren’s second try was just as good. Halfback Callum Reidy kicked high down the touchline to clear from his own tryline. Winger Malum’s jet shoes got him to the ball, and he found prop Byron Murphy on his left shoulder in support.
Murphy delivered the final pass to McLaren who dashed from midfield to the tryline.
Malum scored two tries of his own.
The Reds’ forwards asserted their dominance up front with prop Trevor King and lock Charlie Brosnan again prominent.
In the U16s, Townsville Grammar winger Roldan Waike scored a hat-trick with his piston-like fend dealing with the final defender on two occasions.
Fullback Hemi Rakuita showed his class again.
His own try was a solo gem over 70m from the backfield with a swerve, a stutter step and a keen eye for targeting sluggish defenders.
He also roped in a deflected pass to provide the final ball for Waike’s first try.
Underwood nailed two excellent conversions from acute angles with a teammate holding the ball on the kicking tee such was the blustery wind.
Flanker Lincoln Dalton was impressive. One explosive run into open space off a stolen lineout provided the trigger for the Alfie Bowman try from long range.
QUEENSLAND REDS U16s 48
Tries: Roldan Waike 3, Lincoln Dalton, Rohan Nicol, Hemi Rakuita, Alfie Bowman, Jack Calleja
Conversions: Angus Underwood 4
Def
WESTERN FORCE U16s 5
Try: James Aleni
QUEENSLAND REDS U19s 45
Tries: Daniel Mallum 2, Brody McLaren 2, Finlay King, Cooper Hoare, Xavier Rubens
Conversions: Brody McLaren 4, Finn Mackay
Def
WESTERN FORCE U19s 17
Tries: Tafito Ahki 2, Tevita Ali Bene’t Alatini
Conversion: Henry James
