Boston Fakafanua underlined his credentials as the Western Force U19s secured their maiden win of the 2024 Super Rugby U19s season with a 47-22 win over the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.
The Force scored seven tries to three to claim a bonus-point victory in rainy conditions at LaTrobe’s University Sports Park in Melbourne in Round 2 of the competition.
The visitors managed five of their seven tries in the first half to lead 33-17 at the interval, before the rain poured in the second stanza, impacting play significantly.
Fortescue Academy midfielder and Australia U20s rep Fakafanua dazzled with a first-half treble, while Associates front-rower Ellis New, Wests Scarborough back-rower Jackson Bridges, UQ scrum-half Tafito Ahki and Joondalup Brothers back Oakley Pearce added the other tries.
Academy fly-half Henry James was outstanding off the tee, kicking six of seven conversions in difficult conditions, that included wind and driving rain in the second half.
Fakafanua crashed through for the opening try in the seventh minute, carrying on his good form from last week’s loss to the ACT Brumbies where he also scored.
It was Fakafanua again at the heart of the Force’s second try, with a clever offload allowing New to score in the right corner, although he appeared to hurt his right shoulder in the process.
Bridges added a third from the set-piece in the 18th minute, getting on the back of a driving maul, although the Rebels replied from Edward Lyons down the right side.
The Force hit back, with Southern Lions winger Peni Naqau breaking down the left before releasing Fakafanua for his second.
In the 31st minute, Fakafanua completed his hat-trick in the right corner, with James producing a fine conversion.
Xander Iosefo stretched out to score for Melbourne right on half-time, before the rain set in for the second period.
The Rebels’ second-half hopes weren’t helped by yellow cards, with Ahki capitalising when he slid home in the 58th minute.
The powerful Caleb Fanolua-Tusitala scored for the Rebels, before Finn Prass’ 50-22 provided the Force with the platform to score, eventually culminating in Academy midfielder Pearce side-stepping over.
Western Force 47
Tries: Fakafanua (7’, 27’, 31’), New (10’), Bridges (18’), Ahki (58’), Pearce (78’)
Conversions: James 6/7
Penalties: Nil
Melbourne Rebels 22
Tries: Lyons (25’), Iosefo (39’), Fanolua-Tusitala (64’)
Conversions: Thompson 2/3
Penalties: Thompson 1/1
