Super Rugby Men’s U16s 2025 TOTW: The best Australian performers from Round Three

Tue, Sep 30, 2025, 2:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Catch all the action live from Viking Park, ACT.

The opening round of the Super Rugby U16s is in the books with two massive games to kick off the season.

The NSW Waratahs established their title credentials with a thumping victory over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.

Catch all the Super Rugby Men's U19 action live and on-demand via Stan Sport and Rugby.com.au's YouTube.

Meanwhile, the Western Force battled hard to take down Rugby Victoria, with the Queensland Reds enjoying a first round bye.

Rugby Australia's High Performance staff select their Team of the Week from Round One.

1. Asera Peniata (NSW Waratahs)

Peniata took over the game for the Waratahs as they pushed clear with the win.

The prop was in damaging form with a double while setting up another try.

2. Levi Park (ACT Brumbies)

Park is the lone Brumby after a tough afternoon for the hosts at Viking Park.

The hooker didn't miss a throw from his nine attempts and worked hard around the park despite the scoreline.

3. Arawa Metekingi-Pu-Tamainu (Western Force)

The Force tight-head was influential in the crucial win amid the tough conditions.

He constantly trucked the ball over the advantage line and was damaging with his carries.

4. Enzo Kyle (Western Force)

Kyle was tireless in withstanding the second-half push from the Victorians.

The second row combination with Oscar Sio worked excellently together, with either player deserving selection in this team.

5. Marlee Thomas (NSW Waratahs)

Thomas got in on the fun as the Waratahs' forward pack was excellent in a big win.

The second-rower dived over early in the second half as he also showed the playmaking skills to set up another five-pointer.

6. Leeson Tiakia (Western Force)

Tiakia's defence was massive in the near-shutout win for the hosts.

He didn't miss a tackle with a team-high 12 to go with two massive turnovers.

7. Cooper Williams (NSW Waratahs)

Williams was influential all around the park for the Waratahs.

He was the side's leading tackler (seven) to go with three tackle busts in a busting 70-minute performance.

8. Ihakaraia Toko (Rugby Victoria)

Toko was the shining light for Victoria as they returned to the 16s arena.

He was the only player on the team with double-digit carries, while winning three big turnovers.

9. Izak Holmes (NSW Waratahs)

Holmes was the conductor as the Waratahs ran in try after try in Canberra.

The scrumhalf's delivery was reliable to set up two breaks, diving over for his own five-pointer.

10. Kaiawha Heke (Western Force)

Heke proved to be the difference for the Force in a settled performance from the fly-half.

He had a hand in four of their five line breaks as well as setting up two tries to quell the Victorian fight.

11. Benjamin Wright (NSW Waratahs)

It was a day to remember for the Waratah backline, with Wright starting and finishing a demolition job.

He was one of several in the backline with multiple line breaks and tackle busts as they tormented the Brumby defence.

12. Charlie Xuereb (NSW Waratahs)

Xuereb may be relatively new to Rugby, but he looked at home on the weekend.

The powerful centre racked up the post-contact metres as the Brumbies had few answers.

13. Payton Tarau (NSW Waratahs)

Tarau was unstoppable at outside centre, recording over 130 metres from his game-high 12 carries.

His playmaking skills were on full display as he unleashed their talented backline with two try assists.

14. Asher Chapman (NSW Waratahs)

Chapman was lightning quick for the Waratahs and was a handful all afternoon.

He finished with a hat-trick as part of a complete performance that saw him record three line breaks and six tackle busts.

15. Finn Hannon (NSW Waratahs)

Hannon wraps up a complete sweep for the Waratahs in the outside backs, helping himself to 18 points in the win.

This included a double and a perfect day with the boot, complementing his three line break assists.

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