Written by Reds Media Unit on Nov 01, 2024 05:48 PM, courtesy of reds.rugby Source article.
Reds Academy head coach Dale Roberson has made just one change to his starting lineup for Sunday’s Super Rugby U19 Grand Final against the ACT Brumbies, with wiry flyhalf Will Nason thrust back into the number 10 jersey.
Nason returns to the starting lineup having made a dazzling cameo off the bench in last weekend’s 67-0 rout of the Melbourne Rebels. He previously missed with a facial injury.
The shuffling of the magnets sees fellow gunslinger Brody McLaren shifting to fullback with Finn Mackay reverting to the number 23 jersey.
The Reds – minor Premiers after five rounds of action – boast three players in the competition’s top ten for points scored compared to the Brumbies one. Hooker Finlay King has been the big beneficiary of a strong forward pack that has scored 31 tries from lineout – raking in 40 points of his own – the second most in the competition.
King, McLaren (31 points) and James Martens (25) have hauled in the most for the Reds while it’s likely no surprise that live wire winger Daniel Malum leads the competition for line breaks with 10.
Of course, Queensland are the only side represented in both U19 and U16 ranks and will face off against NSW Waratahs in the early kickoff at Ballymore to decide the U16 champion.
With the Reds’ place in the big dance already confirmed ahead of Round 5, a number of players were rested against the Rebels meaning a clean slate across the XV awaits for the Grand Final.
In fact, Jack Burton and hard-carrying number eight Agapetos Lote-Felo are the only incumbants named to start that also ran out against the Rebels. Elsewhere, Harrison Asi, and Visesio Kite and Jack Calleja are among the returning starters named against the Waratahs.
In the backs, Alfie Bowman has been given the nod at halfback in place of Isaac Kefu – who will undoubtedly provide spark off the bench as one of the competition’s most accurate field kickers.
While the Waratahs may be viewed as heavy favourites following the five-round fixture, the Reds shouldn’t be understated. The team ranks first in the competition for line out wins and second for scrum wins meaning set-piece bodes favorably.
No player has been more astute at the art of an offload than outside centre Taione Taka while Keegan Cook leads all-comers for lineout steals with five.
Regardless, both contests shape as top battles with free entry to Ballymore Stadium and a range of food and beverage outlets available making for the perfect spot to spectate the country’s best next generation talent.
Sunday, 3 November:
NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds (U16s) &
ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds (U19s)
Ballymore Stadium, ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sport
U16s – Waratahs v Reds – 12:05pm
REDS (1-15): Harrison Asi, Adrian de Klerk, Visesio Kite, Jack Calleja, Jack Burton, Dyer Akauola, Lincoln Dalton, Agapetos Lote-Felo (c), Alfie Bowman, Angus Underwood, Hemi Rakuita, Rohan Nichol, Taione Taka, Malakaih Beals, Dylan Terblanche
Replacements: Aiden Luke, Tyrece Hemiman, Gavin Wilson-Tyers, Manasa Railati Vunibola, Keegan Cook, Isaac Kefu, Pierre Poluleuligaga, Isaac Fidock
WARATAHS (1-15): Nicholas Kotarac, Oliver Smith, Hasani Bloomfield, Hamish Bull, Tahj Smith, Samuel Polley, Justice Taumopeau (c), Selesitino Mainakavika, Jeremy Rath, Talen Risati, Darcy Feltham, Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis, Cyrus Bloomfield, Creighton Meafou, Kden Carter
Replacements: Anakin Richardson, Tyson Burden, Roman Leilua, Charlie Grant, Henri Dempsey, Flynn Farrell, Ofa Latu, Jarryd King
U19s – Brumbies v Reds – 2:35pm
REDS (1-15): Byron Murphy, Finlay King, Trevor King, Charlie Brosnan, Fergus Gillan, Tom Robinson, Noah Rauluni, Vaiuta Latu, Callum Reidy, Will Nason, Dom Kallquist, Maddox Maclean, Xavier Rubens (c), Daniel Malum, Brody McLaren
Replacements: Cooper Haore, Kingsley Uys, Jonah Rangiwai, Charlie McCauley, Charlie Cooke, James Martens, Samu Tuisau, Finn Mackay
BRUMBIES (1-15): Finn Baxter, Lipina Ata, Komi Lester Tuitea, Ollie Aylmer, Billy Hansen, Jacob John, Jono Ryan, Beau Morrison, Lachlan Smith, Joe Dillon, Samson Tuqiri, Sam McLachlan, Malakye Enasio, Silas Pilot, Shane Wilcox (c)
Replacements: Bailey Buesnel, James Foster, Liuaki Percival, Deveraux Tapelu, Matt Hanley, Wally Wentzel, Joey Henry, Patrick Broe
