Round Three of the Super Rugby U16s and U19s competition saw plenty of players make a statement as the finals approach.
The NSW Waratahs were the big winners as they took down arch rivals Queensland Reds at Ballymore.
Meanwhile, the ACT Brumbies delivered a pair of crucial wins over the Melbourne Rebels in Victoria.
RA National Pathways manager Nic Henderson is among several keeping a keen eye on the action as they look to build for the future ahead of next year's World U20 Championships and potential U18s and Australian Schools matches.
Rugby.com.au looks at the teams of the week from both competitions in round three.
U16s
The U16s team is dominated by players from NSW after their strong win over the Queensland Reds.
Captain Justice Taumoepeau leads the way in the back row as one of eight Waratahs in the squad.
He is joined in the forward pack by fellow backrower Samuel Polley, prop Nicholas Kotorac and lock That Smith.
Replacement Harry Whitaker has been rewarded for his strong stint in the second half with selection in the halves alongside teammate Talen Risati.
Winger Darcy Feltham earns a nod after his double, with centre Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis well rewarded after his impressive shift.
Three Reds were selected despite the 50-20 defeat, including repeat selection and captain Agapetos Lote-Felo.
Winger Hemi Rakuita and prop Visesio Kite join the number eight in the team.
Rebels hooker Isileli Otunuku and ACT lock Oliver Clayton rounds out the pack whilst Brumbies duo Isaiah Cornforth and Aidan Wunsch complete the backline following their victory.
1. Nicholas Kotarac (NSW Waratahs)
2. Isileli Otunuku (Melbourne Rebels)
3. Visesio Kite (Queensland Reds)
4. Oliver Clayton (ACT Brumbies)
5. Tahj Smith (NSW Waratahs)
6. Samuel Polley (NSW Waratahs)
7. Justice Taumoepeau (NSW Waratahs)
8. Agapetos Lote-Felo (Queensland Reds)
9. Harry Whitaker (NSW Waratahs)
10. Talen Risati (NSW Waratahs)
11. Darcy Feltham (NSW Waratahs)
12. Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis (NSW Waratahs)
13. Isaiah Cornforth (ACT Brumbies)
14. Hemi Rakuita (Queensland Reds)
15. Aidan Wunsch (ACT Brumbies)
U19s
Like the U16s squad, the NSW Waratahs dominate the U19s Team of the Week after their high-scoring win over the Queensland Reds.
Centre Liam Grover was crucial in the victory and is one of eight from NSW in the squad.
The standout midfielder is joined in the backline by fellow playmaker Joey Fowler, winger Brendan Palmer and fullback Sid Harvey.
Front-rowers Nathaniel Tiitii, Charlie O’Kane, second rower Thomas Girle and captain Eamon Doyle complete the NSW selections.
It sets up a blockbuster clash with the Brumbies this week, who account for three selections after their win over the Rebels.
This is headlined by captain Malakye Enasio alongside winger Patrick Broe and backrower Beau Morrison.
The Reds round out the side with four selections, including Australia U20s prop Trevor King, reflective of their strong fight against the ladder leaders.
King is selected along with flanker Noah Raulini, lock Charlie McCauley and replacement half James Martens.
1. Nathaniel Tiitii (NSW Waratahs)
2. Charlie O’Kane (NSW Waratahs)
3. Trevor King (Queensland Reds)
4. Thomas Girle (NSW Waratahs)
5. Charlie McCauley (Queensland Reds)
6. Beau Morrison (ACT Brumbies)
7. Noah Raulini (Queensland Reds)
8. Eamon Doyle (NSW Waratahs)
9. James Martens (Queensland Reds)
10. Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs)
11. Brendan Palmer (NSW Waratahs)
12. Malakye Enasio (ACT Brumbies)
13. Liam Grover (NSW Waratahs)
14. Patrick Broe (ACT Brumbies)
15. Sid Harvey (NSW Waratahs)
