The Queensland Reds Under-16s found their groove with 11 tries in an upbeat start to the Super Rugby U16s at Ballymore Stadium today.
The Reds took time to find their rhythm against a spirited yet outgunned Victorian side before racking up a 69-6 scoreline.
With just three training sessions under their belts, the teamwork and combinations generated were vital with a big clash ahead against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on October 11.
Centres Kyron Arthy and Sangwani Chinula were always a handful for the Victorian defence and both crossed for two tries.
Arthy cut back off his left foot to score the Reds' opening try after just 90 seconds. His balance to stay on his feet when buffeted in contact is one of his big assets. He bumped through three defenders in the closing minutes, stayed upright and dashed 25m for his second try.
Chinula scored his second with time almost up. A sharp chip kick ahead by replacement winger Tom Tugai was seized for the try.
Strong-running flanker Ryker Smith, the son of Wallabies great George Smith, came off the bench to set up a try with a neat offload to winger Mitch Durrheim.
Flyhalf Charlie Meredith said the first hitout as a team was invaluable.
"We were a bit scrappy to start but our forwards laid a good platform for the team to work off," Meredith said.
"We have a lot of strike out wide so we scored some good tries when we got going."
Meredith, 16, is from the same rugby nursery at Sunshine Coast Grammar which has produced recent Wallabies Tate McDermott and Carter Gordon.
"It's really cool to see them achieve what they have from our school. It's good to see that people have done it before and I'm very grateful for the excellent coaching and facilities at my school."
Meredith directed play neatly, including a long ball to put winger Seth Chapman over. The Victorians were well served by inside centre Sione Finau, who had a chip-and-regather moment to show his class.
In the interstate U15s game, the NSW Waratahs scored on the bell to grab a 38-37 win over a Reds side which scored seven tries to six.
Queensland Reds U16s 69
Tries: Mitch Durrheim 2, Kyron Arthy 2, Sangwani Chinula 2, Seth Chapman, Nate Te Whitu,
Tom Tugai, Henry Willis, Harry O'Hare
Conversions: Charlie Meredith 4, Ralph Labor 3
Defeated
Victoria U16s 6
Penalty Goals: Hamish Ward 2
Half-time: Reds 24-Victoria 6
At Ballymore Stadium
