Taroona sit two points clear atop the TRU Premiership table after notching a fifth consecutive win while Devonport, Burnie and Launceston all marked Tasmanian Rugby’s 90th anniversary celebrations with a win.
In a weekend that saw Wallaby visitors, junior representative rugby and a dozen senior games in Hobart, it was the Penguins who stood tallest to sweep past Hobart Lions 36-5 and maintain their unbeaten streak ahead of the June bye.
Centre Aron Lovell’s midfield bursts laid the platform for two-try fullback Ish Duniam to shine as the Lions struggled to stick their tackles with George Chaperon-Tucker, James Holman and Robert Holmes also crossing the line.
The result marked Hobart Lions’ fourth loss on the bounce ahead of next weekend’s clash with Devonport, who downed Hobart Harlequins 41-27 to return to the winner’s circle in Round 5.
Still on until the end of the term for those looking for an extra session ❤️🏉
Posted by Tasmanian Rugby Union Juniors on Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Jamie Tanti and Ilisoni Tavalagi bagged doubles in the Bull’s bonus-point win but there was plenty to like about the hosts with rising centre Josh Dawai continuing his rich vein of form after his off-season switch from University.
The students did it tough against Launceston with the Tigers’ running 12 tries to emerge 74-8 victors down south while Burnie matched them for points to smash Glenorchy 74-28 at Eady Park.
In the men’s Championship, Taroona bagged another convincing 53-5 win over Eastern Suburbs before Launceston and Burnie played out an enthralling 31-all draw.
Throwback Thursday to our Wallabies visit during last week's Tasmanian Rugby Union Juniors North v South carnival at...
Posted by Tasmanian Rugby Union on Thursday, June 8, 2023
Meanwhile, University inflicted Burnie’s first loss in the women’s sevens with Ella Gair scoring twice in a 29-7 victory to send the students outright second on the ladder.
Across town, Classic Wallaby Mark Gerrard and current Wallabies duo Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell were at hand to witness Tassie’s best juniors in action for the annual North v South carnival at University Oval in Sandy Bay.
Speaking after the games, Gerrard was quick to highlight the impressive skills on display.
Still buzzing from our Wallabies visitors last weekend 🤩 Check out some more snaps from Friday night's Get Into Rugby...
Posted by Tasmanian Rugby Union on Monday, June 5, 2023
“They play what they see, they’re playing their own creative style of rugby and it’s a good thing,” he said.
“So often teams are too structured and don’t play what’s in front of them but that’s not the case down here - they're looking up and playing naturally and that's stood out to me across all games."
The weekend concluded in fine fettle at Wrest Point for the TRU 90th anniversary dinner with Classic Wallaby Luke Burgess, Member for Clark Madeline Ogilvie and Member for Lyons Jen Butler among the notable attendees.
