I actually take a bit of a different view of this game.
I love watching the Rebels, and it’s always great to beat the Chiefs. But I don’t think the Rebels should be thrilled with their performance.
This was an under-strength Chiefs side who were playing well below their best. The Rebels defensive intensity was impressive, but they let the Chiefs back into a game they should have won comfortably, even without the rub of the green from the referee which they clearly received. They also botched the last seven minutes playing against 14, where they had numerous opportunities to strike the killer blow and put the Chiefs away for good.
The reaction to this game shows that most rugby fans (and most Rebels fans) still think of the side as plucky underdogs. They aren’t that any more, they are legitimate finals contenders. Which means that while it’s great to have a win against a top side, it shouldn’t mask the fact that you didn’t score a point in the second half, despite plenty of possession, territory and kickable shots at goal.
The Rebels are all grown up now, and it’s time we stopped treating them like the teenagers of Aussie rugby. There were plenty of positives from Saturday, but that shouldn’t cloud the negatives.