Super Rugby U16s: Waratahs Payton Tarau, Asher Chapman, Wilson Ruthven stars of Force win

Scoring sensations, speedsters and a point scoring gun - these teenagers have the footy world at their feet and a third straight Super Rugby U16s title in their sights. Stars, standouts, wrap

Amanda Lulham

2 min read

October 5, 2025 - 1:02PM

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The Waratahs took down the Western Storm in a big display. Picture: Karen Watson

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Trifectas, doubles, sizzling runs, special partnerships and creative plays - this group of teenage footy stars have the world at their feet and a third straight Super Rugby U16s title within their sights.

Standouts and try stars from a week ago stood up again along with captain Wilson Ruthven who contributed a massive 33 of the Waratahs 97 points.

The only downside was a back injury to young footballer Julian Minto who has been sent off for scans.

The Waratahs U16s have never been beaten in Super Rugby, and its doesn’t look like happening any time soon if their performance at Pittwater Park is an indications.

The Waratahs youngsters held Western Force scoreless in the second half for their rollicking 96-7 victory.

The win followed on from the Waratahs annihilating the Brumbies 97-0 in round one last weekend.

The Waratahs kept Force scoreless in the second half. Pictures: Karen Watson.

The only negative for the young Tahs side was its inability to crack the century mark.

Young outside centre Payton Tarau from the Blacktown Scorpions made his mark for the second week, diving over for a trifecta in the flogging.

Speedster Asher Chapman, who scored his own hattrick in round one, flew over the chalk twice in Saturday’s match in another impressive display.

Captain Ruthven was another star of the match being played on his home turf on the northern beaches.

Ruthven scored a try but was incredible with the hot boot nailing 14 of his 15 attempts for an individual haul of 33 points.

Others scorers in the match were Julian Minto, playing his first game this season for the Tahs U16s, Charlie Xuereb, Finn Hannon, Izak Holmes, Archie Hill, another northern beaches product, and fellow replacements Eduardo Garcia Wood, Ziyon Lepolo and Ben Wright.

Super Rugby U16s Round 2 NSW Waratahs v Western Force at Pittwater Rugby Park, Warriewood - Sunday 5 October 2025

Waratahs head coach Matt Evrard was delighted with his young charges but said there is still improvement to be made before they face off against the Queensland Reds in round three next weekend.

He signalled Tarau out for special mention post game.

The Waratahs are undefeated in Super Rugby U16s this year.

“Payton was very good. He’s never played outside centre before, only 12 and fullback and a little 10, never played 13.’’ Evrard said.

“But we have manufactured the spot for him and he has taken it with both hands and run with it.

“He’s not playing selfish.

“Asher (Chapamn) is super quick in the back three, very dangerous.

“And Charlie (Xuereb) and Cordell (Arama) have set the platform for us physically in attack and defence and are really leading from the front.

“Their rugby IQ is just outstanding and Cordell is really leading, taking charge of that forward pack.

Evrard said he also liked what big lock Ruari Basten contributed.’

“He is big and he was very abrasive.’’