The regular season is over for the U16 and U19 National Championships as players make their mark on the competition.
The NSW Waratahs cemented their status as the team to beat with a comprehensive clean sweep of the Western Force.
They will be joined in the final by the Queensland Reds after they secured their place after wins over the Melbourne Rebels.
High-Performance National Programs Coach Nathan Grey is among several keeping a keen eye on the action as they look to build for the future, highlighted by the Junior Wallabies and the likely return of the World U20 Championships.
Rugby.com.au looks at the teams of the week from both competitions as picked by Grey.
*Please note the ACT Brumbies had the bye in round five and will not feature
The NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds once again dominate the team of the week, accounting for 14 selections.
Waratahs prop Harper Strachan is joined in the front-row by Reds duo Ewald Kruger and Emil Willie-Jawai.
Club teammates Zion Poitaha and Tom Robinson complete the tight-five whilst Waratahs captain Marshall Le Maitre is joined by Reds backrower Amare Milford and Ollie Aboud.
Reds flyhalf Chace Oates partners Sam Blank in the halves after his strong game, whilst Joseph Vela is the lone selection outside of the finalists.
Vela slots in on the wing, with Waratahs duo Casey McLean and Mitch Woods completing the back three.
Teenage sensation Zach Fittler earns his first start, rounding out the team alongside Prestyn Laniu-Seitu after his double.
U16
- Harper Strachan (NSW Waratahs)
- Ewald Kruger (Queensland Reds)
- Emil Willie-Jawai (Queensland Reds)
- Tom Robinson (Queensland Reds)
- Zion Poitaha (NSW Waratahs)
- Amare Milford (Queensland Reds)
- Marshall Le Maitre (NSW Waratahs)
- Ollie Aboud (NSW Waratahs)
- Sam Blank (NSW Waratahs)
- Chace Oates (Queensland Reds)
- Joseph Vela (Melbourne Rebels)
- Zach Fittler (NSW Waratahs)
- Prestyn Laniu-Seitu (Queensland Reds)
- Casey McLean (NSW Waratahs)
- Mitch Woods (NSW Waratahs)
For the second week in a row, the Queensland Reds dominate the team of the week as they find form before the finals.
Max Craig and Nick Bloomfield earn their second nomination of the tournament, joined by Waratahs loosehead Jamie Clark.
Lachlan Shaw continues his impressive season in the second row alongside Rebel Joeli Niubalavu.
Niubalavu is joined by club team-mate Antonio Masina, with Reds backrower George Stoddart and Waratahs' Sam Allsopp completing the forward pack.
It's an all-Reds halves combination as Willem Johnstone and Harry McLaughlin-Philips earn selection alongside Will McCulloch and Taj Annan.
Force duo Ryan Mcgloin and Brad Avery along with Waratahs centre Jackson Ropata round out the team.
Team of the Week
- Jamie Clark (NSW Waratahs)
- Max Craig (Queensland Reds)
- Nick Bloomfield (Queensland Reds)
- Lachlan Shaw (Queensland Reds)
- Joeli Niubalavu (Melbourne Rebels)
- George Stoddart (Queensland Reds)
- Antonio Masina (Melbourne Rebels)
- Sam Allsopp (NSW Waratahs)
- Willem Johnstone (Queensland Reds)
- Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Queensland Reds)
- Will McCulloch (Queensland Reds)
- Taj Annan (Queensland Reds)
- Jackson Ropata (NSW Waratahs)
- Ryan Mcgloin (Western Force)
- Brad Avery (Western Force)
