The NSW Waratahs have continued their domination over the U16 and U19 National Championships as the build to the finals begins.
Whilst the Waratahs were dominant in the U16s, they had to come from behind in the U19s to overcome a valiant Melbourne Rebels outfit in Sydney.
It continues their unbeaten run in both competitions, likely setting up a home final in Sydney on November 13.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds rebounded from their opening-round defeat with two comprehensive performances against the ACT Brumbies.
Rugby.com.au recaps all the action from round two
U16s
The NSW Waratahs have thumped the Melbourne Rebels 81-0, sending a message to the rest of the competition.
The hosts set the tone early as Joe Walsh’s bullet pass found Charlie Poynton in the corner after just over 90 seconds.
It would be one of three tries in the opening 11 minutes as the Waratahs raced away with the contest.
The Waratahs continued to chase the clock as flyhalf Alex Conti chalked up a quick double to extend the lead to 36-0 at the break.
Mitchell Woods crossed for his second after the break whilst Zac Fittler got in on the action after the break as the hosts refused to slow down.
Leo Jacques and Poynton finished the game with doubles as the Waratahs secured their spot in the final with a rampant 13-try display.
U19s
The Waratahs have survived a major scare from the Melbourne Rebels to maintain their unbeaten start with a 38-27 victory.
The visitors stunned the Waratahs early as Toby Fraser caught the hosts out napping as the winger dived over in the corner.
Returning flyhalf Mason Gordon had an instant impact on the Rebels as tries to Pio Mauga and Iverson Tolai Tafu delivered the Rebels the 15-12 halftime lead.
However, the Waratahs refused to give up as Will Martin crossed over the line untouched to put the hosts back in front.
The influence of Jack Bowen was clear to see as his booming kick for touch put the Waratahs on the attack before Omar Noureddine scored over in the corner.
A penalty try extended the lead for the Waratahs before Fraser’s second and a late try to David Vaihu set up a grandstand finish.
In the end, the Waratahs proved too strong as Philip Talaileva sealed the win with a try and a swan dive.
U16s
A second-half blitz has powered the Queensland Reds to a 34-16 victory over the ACT Brumbies.
In wet conditions, the Reds took control despite a yellow card to Charlie OConnell for a dangerous tackle.
A great run from Sam Watson saw the scrum half pick off a short-side raid from the hosts as he ran 50 metres to put the Reds up 8-0 after 20 minutes.
The hosts levelled up via the boot of Sam Chapman, finding winger Denzel Veikune in the corner, before a dangerous charge down from Reds number eight John Grenfell allowed the flyhalf to put the Brumbies up 11-8 at the break whilst putting the Reds down a man.
The Reds started the second half on fire as Prestyn Laine-Sietu barged through several tacklers to dive under the posts.
Grenfell returned from the bin and instantly atoned for his mistake with a try before Cameron Philip finished off a slick backline move to extend the lead.
Joseph Lonergan hit back for the hosts but it was too little, too late as the Reds cruised home for the victory after a late penalty try.
U19s
The Queensland Reds have produced an emphatic 40-3 victory over the ACT Brumbies to complete the clean sweep at Viking Park.
In deteriorating conditions, the Reds’ forward pack set up first points after stealing the tighthead 5 metres out, allowing impressive flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips to step past the defence and score.
Neither team could gain ascendancy late in the first half as a Cullen Gray penalty reduced the margin to 7-3 at the break.
From here, a yellow card to Reds centre Taj Annan and Brumbies counterpart Sonny Meleisea opened the game up as both sides launched attacking opportunities.
Reds scrum-half Sam Farrar’s show-and-go caught the hosts napping on the goal line before Tim Ryan showed great hands to control the ball in wet conditions and dive over the line.
Ryan and winger Will McCulloch helped the Reds close out the game as they finished with doubles for the bonus-point victory.
