Force U16s grand final hopes dented as rampant Reds hit hard

The Western Force have been handed a lesson by the Queensland Reds with a 48-5 loss in the Super Rugby U16s in overcast conditions at Claremont’s Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday.

The result leaves the Force’s grand final hopes in limbo, with the bonus-point victory lifting the Reds into second spot with 10 points behind leaders NSW Waratahs (15).

The Force are fourth on five points from three games, with one to play against the Waratahs at Revo Fitness Stadium next Sunday.

The Reds scored eight tries to the Force’s one, coming from Nedlands’ James Aleni in the 61st minute.

It was a tough outing for the Force where handling errors didn’t help, along with issues at their line-out. Despite that, the Force still enjoyed extended periods of attacking possession but couldn’t make it count.

On the flipside, the big Reds’ forward pack allowed space for their quick backs to exploit, with outstanding left winger Roldan Waike starring with a hat-trick.

The Reds utilised their backline speed to race out to a 14-0 lead inside 10 minutes, with tries from Waike followed by full-back Hemi Rakuita with a stunning solo effort.

Force back-rower Rhymen Tusi produced a desperate ankle tap to deny Malakaih Beals a near-certain try in the right corner, but the Reds wouldn’t be denied moments later when lock Jack Calleja crossed.

The Reds pressed again but Cottesloe full-back Ashton Williams rattled fly-half Angus Underwood with a crunching tackle, before Queensland midfielder Rohan Nichol got over.

The Force gained a stronghold over the next 10 minutes prior to half-time with several phases inside the attacking 22, The WA side got close several times, including a rolling maul almost getting over, only to lose the ball to trail 26-0 at the break.

Ruldof Johannes Van Der Merwe managed a big turnover early in the second half, before the Reds crossed again with Waike getting his second down the left and then Queensland back-rower Lincoln Dalton dived over for a 38-0 lead.

The Force continue to struggle with their line-out, throwing long allowing Reds reserve Alfie Bowman to burst clear for Queensland’s seventh try.

To their credit, the WA side kept on pushing for an elusive try and got their reward via Nedlands reserve James Aleni in the 61^st minute, forcing his way over with a big shove.

In the 64^th minute, Waike completed his hat-trick down the left edge, rounding out the 48-5 result.

Western Force 5

Tries: Aleni (61’)

Conversions: Eltion 0/1

Penalties: Nil

Queensland Reds 48

Tries: Waike 3x (5’, 40’, 63’), Rakuita (8’), Calleja (17’), Nichol (24’), Dalton (45’), Bowman (48’)

Conversions: Underwood 4/5, Kennedy 0/3

Penalties: Nil