National Under 16 Championship — Day 2

The Championship continued but the players had problems with the windy conditions on Day 2.

Victoria 43 — Brumbies 5

by “The Spectator”

First half

The game started with some promise from the Brumbies from the kick off with a solid rolling maul gaining good meters. Just where those same forwards were for the rest of the game is the real question.

The Brumbies looked a different side to the one that played so valiantly against Sydney yesterday. Brumbies didn’t start with its full 1-15 with 23 the stand in half back and 16 as hooker.

The Vics looked big and strong and dominated the Brumbies all day. In the first three minutes, the Vics bombed a certain try by not using its quick back line. It didn’t matter though as No 6 Jordan Uelese went over and 9 Josh Coward converted. 7-0 to Victoria.

Brumbies were making too many errors at critical times. The Brumbies set piece wasn’t as strong, with Vic winning the line out against the throw. No 13 Sione Tuipoluto for Vics had a big bustling run but the pass went array. NB that 23 was playing halfback and 9 was playing flyhalf in the first half.

ACT No 2 Moala Ahoafi came on with about 15 to go and made an immediate difference to the ACT set piece. Might have been carrying an injury as is certainly an impact player. ACT scores out wide but the conversion is missed, 7-5 to Victoria. Still anyones game.

Then No1 John Sauni scores from a strong line break from the big No. 8 Robert Leota Lu. No conversion 12-5 to Vic. ACT still in the game at this stage.

Then the floodgates opened with about 5 mins before half time. No 13 took the ball and run straight and hard, passes to 9 who was rewarded with an easy try under the sticks. Easy conversion, 19-5 to Vic.

The Vic winger 21, Nick Donghi, has a quick run down the sideline, kicks ahead and scores (I think!). Good conversion by 9, 26-5 to Vic at half time.

Second half

After half time, the Vics looked the ascendant team. Big No 5 from Vic, John Schwalger charged down a kick and 9 almost scores. The Vics are definitely on top of the ACT. The Vic big No 8 Leota  went for a strong run, is over the line but held up. 5 meter scrum to Vic. Vic now had 9 as half back and 10 as flyhalf. Big scrum, 8 peels off, no stopping him as he went over for a try. Conversion missed. 31-5 Vic.

21 for Victoria, Donghi, has a bit of toe and runs down the sideline but kicks out. Victoria are still attacking the line. Their 13 Tuipoluto runs onto the ball but unfortunately a forward pass is called.

The Victorian forwards were still dominating. No 3, Taupau is a mountain.  He went for a strong run (looks like an 8). 8 for Vic gets hold of the ball and is over again for his double. Conversion missed 36-5 to the Vics.

Last try before full-time went to the gutsy half back for Vic, conversion successful. Victoria wind 43-5.

 The Players

It was a bit one sided to Victoria in the end with the big forwards 3, 6 and 8 dominating. 9 was man of match in my opinion. 13 had a strong game as did 21.

For the ACT, I thought 2 had a solid game but looked like he was carrying an injury. Everyone else had glimmers, good defence but unfortunately were not consistent enough across the field.

Summary

Let’s hope the ACT boys regroup and play with real passion and commitment against to Queensland Red. The way the Victorian boys played today, watch out Sydney Juniors.

Queensland White 37 — Western Australia 15

 Photos by “Delphy”

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