The NSW Waratahs have proved too strong in the Western Force’s opening game of the Super Rugby Men’s U19s with a 62-5 triumph at Pittwater Rugby Park on Saturday.
The Force started both halves well but were unable to match the Tahs’ physicality and spread, while the home side’s depth made an impact.
The visitors weren’t helped by cards, including being reduced to 13 players prior to half-time, allowing the Tahs to showcase their quality with gain line dominance and speed on the outside.
Wanneroo and Fortescue Academy lock Manaia TeTana scored the Force’s only try early in the second 40 after the Tahs had ran in five tries to nil in the first half.
Force co-captain TeTana was a shining light with his physicality along with tireless Perth Bayswater flanker Luke Holt-Brown.
Fellow co-captain Wallace Charlie impressed at full-back with his ball handling and kicking, although he couldn’t find the space to unleash the speed that led to his Aussie 7s debut.
In the end, the Tahs ran in five tries in each half, powering to a 10 tries to one bonus-point triumph led by impressive captain Marshall Le Maitre.
The Force next return to Perth for their Round 2 home clash with the ACT Brumbies at Palmyra’s Tompkins Park from 12pm on Saturday 20 September, as part of a double-header prior to the Force-Brumbies’ Super Rugby AUS game from 2pm (free entry).
The Force took it to the ‘Tahs in the first 10 minutes, with Luke Holt-Brown forcing a turnover under NSW 22 pressure while Peni Naqau darted down the left flank without luck.
The Tahs looked in control at the scrum and that was the avenue to the opening try from full-back Louis Fenwicke after shifting left from the set piece.
Scrum-half Sam Blank dived over five minutes later, before wriggling free for his second after Tom Farr-Jones’ run.
The Tahs added another two tries before half-time after yellow cards to Force tighthead prop Zane Wesley – for repeated infringements - and back-rower Nate Gallagher – for a high tackle.
Tahs hooker Tyler Maybery scored from a rolling maul, with Toby Brial adding another with the Force down to 13, after Holt-Brown again offered a threat with a pick and burst from a lineout flick.
The Force enjoyed sustained pressure early in the second 40, with hooker Cajun Arnfield coming close, before co-captain Manaia TeTana dotted with a pick and go after Wanneroo clubmate Chris Jansen’s drive.
Powerful Tahs captain Marshall Le Maitre broke the Force’s momentum, adding the hosts’ first points of the second half with a quick pick and go under the sticks.
Maybery added his second, before Le Maitre dotted following Fenwicke’s 50-22.
Academy talent Gallagher was red carded with 10 minutes to go after a second offence when scrambling in defence. Tom Watts scored from Henry Conick’s dink in behind. Le Maitre rolled over late to complete his hat-trick.
The Force thanks partners Fortescue, UWA, Goodyear, ADD Business Group and Elan as well as RugbyWA for their support of the U19s programs.
NSW Waratahs 62
Tries: Fenwicke (12’), Blank 2x (17’, 21’), Maybery 2x (30’, 64’), Brial (36’), Le Maitre 3x (51’, 68’, 80’), Watts (71’)
Conversions: Newman 3/6, Conick 3/4
Penalties: Nil
Western Force 5
Tries: TeTana (46’)
Conversions: Mainwaring 0/1
Penalties: Nil
