Waratahs waited too long to start youngsters. They deserve another shot

May 17, 2026 — 1:52pm

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The excellent performances of Easts pair Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen in the Waratahs’ 50-35 win against the Fijian Drua were bittersweet, as they raised an awkward question: why has it taken until round 14 to give them a crack?

In his post-match interview, captain Matt Philip acknowledged the impact of their “youthful exuberance,” but there was also a lot of discipline in how they played - particularly Bowen. His long kicking game and refusal to overplay his hand were key ingredients as the Waratahs built a huge first-half lead.

The 22-year-old clearly has more foot speed than the well-travelled Jack Debreczeni. At No 9, Jake Gordon has had a quiet season by his standards, and Wilson is averaging just over 20 minutes a game in Super Rugby Pacific this year - he has been underused.

The challenge for Wilson and Bowen now is to back it up, but they have earned another shot in the starting jerseys for the huge game against the Brumbies on Friday.

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The Reds will rue a wasteful 10 minutes........

© The Sydney Morning Herald