Author: oztimmay

The Rebels have suffered another gut-wrenching defeat, this time at the hands of the Lions.  Whilst the Rebels were competitive in the first half, the Lions capitalised on their mistakes to run away with a 47-10 win.  The Lions continue their good Australian tour record, while the Rebels sink to another defeat against an international team. The match Another week, another player withdraws from the match due to injury.  This time, Colby Fainga’a pulled up sore in the warm up; he was replaced by Will Miller, with u20s Lock Esei Haangana coming onto the bench. The match started with Lions on…

The Southern Kings have continued their winning form, downing the Melbourne Rebels 44 – 3 at Nelson Mandella Stadium. After a fairly tight first half, the Kings put on five tries, dominating the men from Melbourne in all aspects of the game.  For their part, nothing seemed to go right for the Rebels tonight. First Half The Rebels had a late change before kick-off; Nick Stirzaker was replaced by Mick Snowden in the starting lineup, the former picking up an ankle injury.  Jack Debreczei joined the matchday 23 on the bench. The Kings had the early momentum, putting pressure on…

The Sharks and Rebels have played out a 9-all draw in Durban. In a fairly dull match, underpinned with poor execution and handling, the Rebels managed to hold out their highly fancied opponent.  The Rebels held the lead for most of the match, lost it briefly, then won it back with a kick after the siren.   The Sharks will rue the lost opportunity to beat a under-strength team.       First Half Despite some good playing conditions, both teams wasted possession with some poor handling and execution.  The Rebels continued their recent love of cheese, with Nic Stirzakrer earning…

Will the Highlanders chalk up two on the trot, or can the Rebels win against all the odds? Groundhog day.  This is what it feels like as a Rebels fan.  Horrible injury list, check.  Almost pulling off an unlikely victory in the previous round – check.  Wondering how to get that complete 80 min performance on the field – check. Yes, this is how it’s played out for the Rebels over the last few weeks.  Play a wonderful 60 – 70 min of Rugby, only to run out of puff, and let victory slip through their fingers.  Sure, they have…

With seasons on the line, who will prevail at the Stockade? The Rebels finally get to host an Australian team.  And we’ve got a good one this week – the NSW Waratahs. I love a Victoria versus New South Wales battle.  In anything.  It doesn’t matter what it is; sport, cooking, knitting, culture wars.  As a proud Victorian, I LOVE beating New South Wales at anything.  And of recent time, we’ve been getting pretty damn good at it. When it comes to Rugby, the Tah’s have a pretty good track record against us.  They have defeated the Rebels on all but…

The Rebels have suffered another humiliating defeat in NZ, this time to the Hurricanes. Despite a slow start, the Hurricanes put on a second-half masterclass and totally outplayed their opponents.  The Rebels, simply put just did not have any answers, and they paid the price on the scoreboard. First Half The Rebels opened the match looking like the stronger team.  They had a fair share of field position and looked dangerous in open play.  Mafi made some good runs into the Hurricanes 22, but a lack of support runners cost and change of a try. Hodge kicked two penalties, one…

237 Days.  This is how long it’s been between games at AAMI Park.  Far too long if you ask me. The question is, what team is returning. Is it the record chasing team, or a championship winning team? Let’s take a look at season 2017. The Squad A number of big names left the Rebels at the end of 2016. Tamati Ellison Adam Thomson (both Japan) Harris (Lyon) and Luke Jones (Bordeaux) are playing overseas.  Whilst we won’t see the first three back in Oz Rugby, I get the feeling we haven’t seen the last of Jones in the five-star. Optimism aside,…

The Eagles have continued their unbeaten run, edging out the Rising 32 – 30. In an entertaining match, the Eagles dominated on the scoreboard, scoring four tries to one in the first half.  The Rising clawed their way back into the match, keeping the Eagles scoreless in the second half.  However, the Eagles held on in front of a large Tamworth crowd. The unbeaten Eagles lost Andrew Kellaway to injuries and was replaced by Angus Roberts.  The Rising also made three late changes, the most notable Nic Stirzaker and Sefa Naivalu, did not play.  Tom English, in the absence of…

Hello, and welcome to the Melbourne Rebels season review. This review is a little different from normal; the team that bring you preview and reviews of Rebel matches will share their thoughts on season 2016.  The team: We are all passionate fans of both the Rebels, Rising, and Rugby in general. We’re excited to share our thoughts on what we saw this season. But first, a recap. The season preview highlighted a very successfully 2015, but it was time for the Rebels to now deliver. Despite some key losses, the Rebels had made some astute recruitment in the off season.…

The Crusaders put an under-strength Rebels side to the sword, scoring 13 tries on the way to a  85 – 26 win at AMI Stadium. Even before the match started, the Rebels were facing an uphill battle.  A large injury list forced seven changes to the side that were defeated by the Stormers. Meanwhile, the Crusaders had the luxury of resting players, with Kieran Reed sitting this one out.  Last week’s loss to the Chiefs would no doubt make them hungry for a win against the Rebels, and pour further misery on the Australian sides. Last time the two teams met…

History shows these two teams are destined to play out a close encounter. Can the Force pull off an unexpected upset, or will the Rebels win in front of their passionate home crowd? The Form In the words of Tony McGahan, the Rebels played an “embarrassing” first half against the Chiefs. Whilst they stemmed the flow of points in the second half, the damage was done, losing 36 – 15. The only real shining lights form the Match was McMahon (again), Harris and Hodge. For the first time in recent history, Debreczei was dragged from the field. Embed from Getty…

This weekend will be a massive test for both Teams.  Can the Rebels show the finals credentials against star-studded opponents?  Can the Hurricanes win on the road to entrench themselves as title contenders? Both teams sit mid-table in the Australasian conference.  The Hurricanes, with more bonus points, sit in the wildcard position.  The Rebels, with a tough start to the season, will seek to take the wildcard from the Hurricanes.  Suffice to say, this match can have a fair impact on the finals series. The Rebels enjoyed a well-deserved (and overdue) week off after a gruelling travel schedule.  The last…

The Pretoria Bulls have outclassed the Melbourne Rebels, winning 45 to 25. The Rebels were looking to build momentum after a gutsy win against the Force. The Bulls were looking to atone for their effort against the Stormers. The First Half The Rebels were first on the scoreboard after they earned a Penalty from a ruck infringement. Debreczei was able to kick the penalty goal from good field position. Scores 3 – 0 to the Rebels. After the restart the Bulls set up good field position with strong carries from their Forwards. They were able to send the ball to Basson…

In a defining moment for Victorian Rugby, the Melbourne Rebels have today signed Sione Tuipulotu and Rob Leota for the 2016 – 17 Super Rugby seasons. The pair become the first Victorian players to graduate through the Elite programs system and into professional Rugby.  This achievement is more remarkable as they have not left Victoria to further the career, a first in the modern professional era. Melbourne Rebels’ Head Coach Tony McGahan said it was satisfying for everybody involved with the Club to sign the eighteen year old duo. “From the inception of the Melbourne Rebels in 2011 until now,…

The Rising have held out the Stars to win 18-10 and earn a place in the NRC Finals. The equation for both teams is fairly simple here. The Rising need to win to secure a place in the finals.  The Stars need to either win or lose with a bonus point to secure a place in the finals series.  Its high stakes Rugby and the make-up of the finals comes down to this match. Frankston City Oval hosted the crucial match in glorious conditions. First Half Both teams locked into an early aerial battle, with the Rising wining the early field position. …

The Melbourne Rising have come from behind to record a narrow 37 – 36 over a spirited Greater Sydney Rams. The match was played in glorious conditions at the Latrobe Sporting Fields in Morwell.  The Rising have scheduled all home games at different locations; a great initiative that takes the game across the state. First Half The Rams took early possession and ran well with ball in hand.  Strong defence from the Rising quelled the attacking raids and managed to turn limited opportunities into decent field position.  The limited attacking plays by the Rising fizzled with some poor handling. Filipe…

Can the team from Melbourne rise to the challenge in 2015? Last Season The Melbourne Rising brought the NRC to life, winning all eight matches in the regular season.  Boasting a mix of Rebels and Victorian club players, the Rising dominated the NRC with a rock-solid pack and dynamic backline.  The Rising gave birth to the Stirzaker/Debreczei halves pair and helped Sean McMahon become a Wallaby.  Arguably, the biggest success would be Sefanaia Naivalu. ‘Super Sefa’ made history by signing with the Rebels directly from Victorian Premier Rugby.  One of many to come, I hope. Sefanaia Naivalu – Rising, Rebels…

The Melbourne Rebels have broken a three-game losing streak, holding on for a one-point victory over the Pretoria Bulls.   The First Half The first half was a relatively subdued affair with both teams playing a field position game.   They started with lots of forward runners, big kicks but with little back line flair. The first points went to the Bulls from a lineout play from which Matfield make easy metres.  Greyling finished off the move with a pick and go try.  Potgieter converted to make the score 7-0. It didn’t take the Rebels long to bounce back.  Their efforts were rewarded…

The Western Stormers have put on a powerful forwards display to win 31-15 against the Melbourne Rebels. The First Half The first half was a fairly even contest in physicality and defensive terms, but concentration lapses put pressure on the Rebels.  From the first kick-off the Rebels went on the attack immediately, only to be repelled by trademark Stormers defence.  The first foray into the Rebels 22 saw Demetri Catrakilis score a penalty through a Rebels infringement.  The next fifteen minutes saw the Rebels repeatedly attack the Stormers line and were unlucky to come away without a try.  Mike Harris went close,…

Round 15 of the Super Rugby Season sees the Western Stormers play host to the Melbourne Rebels at Newlands Stadium.  The Stormers will look to strengthen their chance at a finals berth, whilst the Rebels will look to score their first win in the Republic.   The Teams The Stormers come into the match in good form and well-rested after the bye last round.  Despite the loss against the Cheetahs, the Stormers withstood a late charge before overcoming the Brumbies by a point.  Allister Coetzee is not taking this match lightly, indicating they will play both Burger and Vermeulen in the…