The Queensland Reds Under-18s were swept away in an untidy second half today when falling 55-12 to the NSW Waratahs at David Wilson Field in Brisbane.
The young Reds had led 12-5 at the break and had the momentum with a two-try effort in the latter stages of the first half.
Pressure from a charged down kick created a 5m scrum chance and the platform for the Reds forwards to go to work.
Hooker Aiden Luke's pick-and-go try made it 5-all after 28 minutes.
Shortly after, lock Jack Calleja was alert to a poor NSW lineout throw, gobbled the gift and plunged over to make it 12-5 after 32 minutes.
After a lengthy injury lay-off, it was a satisfying moment for the Innisfail product who developed his game at Ipswich Grammar.
A break from halfback Alfie Bowman and a strong scrum on half-time gave no hint of the carnage to follow.
Harrison Asi had made several strong charges into the defence in his new role at No.8.
Unfortunately, a tip tackle early in the second half earned him a yellow card.
The Reds gave up a 19-0 run of points while undermanned for 10 minutes but the errors were too widespread to point to one moment.
Missed tackles, a pass intercepted on halfway for a runaway NSW try, missed chances from attacking lineouts, a restart not going 10m...the wounds mounted.
Young Waratahs No.8 Selesitino Mainakavika was a constant threat. He scored two tries while the inside flick pass of halfback Izak Holmes at the ruckbase for the Tahj Smith try was a reboot of the renowned George Gregan-Owen Finegan sleight of hand.
The Waratahs led 31-12 entering the final 10 minutes. Leaking three converted tries in the final minutes will sting as well because it became a 50-0 landslide in the second half.
There were many obvious fixes to improve a disappointing performance and the Reds will regroup to mount a strong challenge in Sydney next Saturday in the second leg of the series.
