NSW I and QLD I both showed their class on day two of the Australian Schools Championships to book their spots in Saturday’s decider, while earlier in the day NSW II and QLD II both bounced back from opening day defeats to beat Victoria and Barbarians respectively.

Here’s our pick of the players from today’s action.

Photo: ASRU

Dan O’Brien – NSW I (Joeys)

NSW I centre Dan O’Brien didn’t put a foot wrong in attack or defence and showed some individual brilliance to set up the try of the afternoon from deep inside his own half early in the match.

Lucas Vass – NSW II (Barker)

There’s isn’t a lot of size to Lucas Vass but he more than makes up for it in attacking spark. The winger from Barker scored three tries against Victoria.

Taelyn Nukunuku – QLD I (St Patrick’s College, Shornecliffe)

The big bodied backrower played his way into the QLD I starting side earlier this week and impressed again on Thursday, particularly over the ball in the early stages.

Langi Glesson – NSW II (St Augustine’s)

NSW II No.8 Langi Glasson made metres every time he ran the ball and scored a nice try earlier in the day against Victoria.

Keenan Timu – QLD I (Marsden State HS)

The younger brother of Caleb Timu, Keenan is an aggressive ball runner with nice hands who looked comfortable playing hard and tight or running loose in the wider channels.

Kaeo Weekes – NSW I (Newington)

NSW I outside back Kaeo Weekes is a star and showed his lighting speed to score two tries on the wing in the first half against ACT. If he stays in the sport, Weekes will be electric in either 7s or the XV a side game.

Jasper Mellish – QLD I (Sienna Catholic College)

QLD I fullback Jasper Mellish showed nice footwork to create space for himself in the first half and used his monster boot to keep his side out of trouble against Combined States.

Dally Bird – NSW I (Riverview)

Lock Dally Bird caused headaches for the ACT edge defence all afternoon and potentially could be better suited to the No.6 jersey. Regardless, he was one of the best on the field and was rewarded with two tries against ACT.

Combined State Scrum

Led by the reserve front row of David Kirk, Digby Cooper and Harry Herbert, the Combined States scrum demolished QLD I at set piece.

Daniel Shaw – ACT (St Edmund’s)

Shaw spent time at fullback and outside centre and while he didn’t get a whole heap of opportunity in attack, he looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. He also finished off a nice try late in the match from a set play inside the red zone.