Round two of the Super Rugby U16s and U19s is complete as the weekend threw up some interesting results.
The Melbourne Rebels hung on to take down the Western Force in the U16s, whilst they were no match for their Western counterparts in the U19s.
Catch every game of the Super Rugby U16s and U19s competition live, ad-free and exclusive on Stan Sport.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds proved they are contenders with strong wins over the ACT Brumbies in the U16s and U19s.
It sets up a blockbuster next week as the Reds face the NSW Waratahs, who enjoyed the bye.
Rugby.com.au recaps all the action from week two
Melbourne Rebels v Western Force
U16s
The Melbourne Rebels have completed one of the most remarkable bouncebacks in sport after a 29-26 win over the Western Force.
Coming off the back of a 100+ point thumping, the Rebels looked resided to a similar fate when hooker Apakuki Te Hiko barged over at the back of the rolling mauk.
However, the Rebels’ hunger and fight shone through as the forward pack stood up, led by number eight Halaliku Lauhingoa.
The hosts responded through lock Lewis Brinkworth, carrying three defenders over the line.
The Rebels were then reduced to 14 after a yellow card to Campbell Tagaloasa, allowing RJ Van Der Merwe to slice through the hole.
Luke Scheepers’ try after the break gave the Force a 19-10 lead after the break before the Rebels rallied with three straight tries.
Flyhalf Noah Jury defied their second yellow card of the game to dive over before handing off to Samson Tuaine to suddenly give them the lead.
With the Force reeling, Tagaloasa’s counter attack put the Rebels back into the Force’s 22, allowing Ratu Tuibua to power over.
The Force hit back with their own man in the bin as Van Der Merwe got his second but it was too little, too late as the hosts hung on for an emotional win despite Tagaloasa’s second yellow of the game.
U19s
The Western Force have rebounded with a 47-22 win over the Melbourne Rebels.
Captain Boston Fakafanua was elite in the bonus-point win as he crossed for a first half hat-trick.
Fakafanua opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful run from short, quickly turning provider to set up prop Ellis New.
When Jackson Bridges crossed at the back of the rolling maul, the Force had a quick 19-0 lead as they ran away with the contest.
Peni Naqau raced down the sidelines and drew the fullback for Fakafanua to touch down for his second.
The centre had his hat-trick in the 33rd minute as he darted back inside and sprinted away for an easy try.
The Rebels reduced the lead with a late try to make it 33-17 at the break via Xander Iosefo but ill-discipline thwarted their attempts at a comeback.
It paved the way for a dominant Force win as second half tries to Tafito Ahki and Oakley Pearce sealed the victory.
ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds
U16s
The Queensland Reds have swept away the ACT Brumbies in a stunning second half display to claim a 53-19 win.
The hosts dictated play early as two tries in the first ten minutes gave them an early 12-5 lead.
Reds skipper Agapetos Lote-Felo sparked the Queenslanders with a brilliant solo try, breaking a pair of tacklers before sprinting past the fullback for the try.
The hosts hit back through Tomas Jensen as the centre reached out to restore their lead.
From here, it was all Reds as they piled on 38 unanswered points.
Winger Isaac Fidock threw a great one-handed pass inside to put centre Taione Taka over as he looked certain to be thrown into touch.
Prop Sio Kite crashed over late in the half for a 27-19 half-time lead as the Reds never looked back.
Lote-Felo set up another try to start the second half as he broke the line for vice captain
Dylan Terblanche to dive over.
Hemi Rakuita extended the lead in the 57th minute as tries to Malakaih Beals and Aiden Luke brought up the half century.
U19s
The Queensland Reds have made a real statement, taking down defending champions ACT Brumbies 53-12.
Reds centre and captain Xavier Rubens was the chief destroyer as he crossed for a double in the rout.
Rubens opened the scoring after capitalising on a Brumbies mistake, re-gathering his grubber and breaking the tackles for the try.
A strong rolling maul try to late replacement Noah Rauluni extended the lead before the Brumbies hit back through Samson Tuqiri.
Another Brumbies mistake set up Trevor King from close as Finlay King dived over after another rolling maul try.
The Reds’ rolling maul proved unstoppable, this time setting up Cooper Hoare before a smart quick tap from James Martens added to the onslaught.
Rubens’ second sealed a near-perfect afternoon’s performance and an incredible win for the Reds.
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