Exciting teenage back Mark Nawaqanitawase, has put himself in contention for early-season Super Rugby selection with an eye-catching display in the NSW Waratahs’ 40-21 trial win over the Highlanders at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval.
The Tahs overcame a poor start to score six tries to three in their first match under new coach Rob Penney.
A winger in the Junior Wallabies side that lost the under-20 world championship final last year, 19-year-old Nawaqanitawase produced some dazzling moments with several creative and skilful touches from fullback.
“He’s a gem the kid, he’s got a lot going for him,” Penney said
“It’s going to be a real pleasure and a privilege to be be part of the young man’s development over the next couple of years because he’s got some gifts and as you saw tonight, he’s unfazed by a step up, which is a wonderful attribute to have.”
Asked if Nawaqanitawase was in contention for Super Rugby selection, Penney said: “Without doubt.”
Other Junior Wallabies to make their mark for the Tahs were five-eighth Will Harrison and backrower Carlo Tizzano.
Harrison set up a couple of tries after replacing Mack Mason at halftime and Tizzano crossed for a brace of second-half five-pointers.
The Waratahs starting side included three Wallabies in prop Tom Robertson, halfback Jake Gordon and Karmichael Hunt, while the Highlanders didn’t field any of their All Blacks.
NSW gifted the Highlanders a couple of early tries.
Stand-in captain and inside centre Hunt had a pass intercepted in the second minute and the Highlanders also crossed after a wayward Tahs lineout.
But as the game progressed, NSW put together several good passages of play, with backs and forwards linking well.
Down 14-7 at halftime, the home team executed well in the second half, piling on five tries to one.
“There’s some really positive elements and lots of areas to work on, all in all for a first hitout, pretty pleasing,” Penney said.
He described the Tahs scrum as a weapon but lamented their inability to finish off potential tries and the occasional defensive misunderstanding.
Penney said he was a little bit more relaxed about the Tah’s depth at five-eighth and tighthead prop.
