The skill level proffered by the Force and Rebels in their final Super Rugby round was more or less the equivalent to where they finished on the table — 12th and last.
Some of us were expecting a bit more, from the Force in particular, given their efforts over the past few weeks but unfortunately they delivered a Dire Straits version of Industrial Disease — i.e. ‘dropsy’.
Not to worry; at least they both played with passion and obviously wanted to finish the season with a bang, not a whimper. This was especially the case for guys like Yoda Somerville and Kevin O’Neill, who are retiring from the game.
It actually got quite exciting towards the end as the Rebels fought back from a 12–24 deficit to even it up with six minutes to play. Unfortunately, a Jarrod Saffy transgression at the breakdown allowed Willie Ripia to kick a streaky penalty for a 27–24 win.
I thought Ripia was a game-breaker when he came on in the 55th minute for Paddy Dellit and took over at five-eighth. He offered some real shape at the business end of the match when in previous engagements the Force have been found wanting.
Not only that, but his tactical kicking was well-executed and put pressure on the Rebels during that stanza. He also threw a couple of QC-like cut-out passes that directly led to a David Smith try, and assisted Chuckie Stannard in scoring his. He kicked a fine sideline conversion as well — all in 25 minutes.
The Rebels’ defence, especially for the first 60 minutes of the match, was probably their best all year. Crikey, even Cooper Vuna made a tackle!
The Force dominated the first quarter but just couldn’t break through. It wasn’t until the 20-minute mark that the Rebels were actually able to threaten, but in this mistake-fest they turned the ball over.
In fact, turnover stats weren’t that high (Rebels 13, Force 15) but most of the Rebels’ came at the breakdown. This reflected the Pocock/Hodgson duopoly on the deck. However, there were loads of dropped balls and poor passes by both sides.
The teams exchanged a few penalties in the first half ,which resulted in a 9–6 lead to the Force at oranges. Of course, there was the inevitable dustup — inevitable when you have the likes of Adam Byrnes and Sheeno going abrasively tête-à-tête.
The penalties continued in the second half and the score was tied at 12–12 at the 53rd minute. Danny Cipriani was having a great game for the Rebels and gave good shape. He was skillful, his kicking game was on and he was putting blokes into gaps.
The match came alive when winger Kingi sprinted out of the line looking to shut a movement down near his own goal-line. Ripia’s huge and accurate cut-out pass found Smith near the sideline. He just trotted over the goal-line to score (62 min, 17–12).
Two minutes later, Ripia threw another wide pass — a bouncer in cricket terminology — which found Inman. He pushed off Vuna (surprise?), drew and passed to Stannard, who scorched in for the try. Chuckie was playing on the wing at this stage. Ripia’s sideline conversion took the score to 24–12.
This seemed to arc-up the Rebels, who returned in kind three minutes later with a forward try to Hass (Adam Frier). Snorky Mortlock converted and it was game-on.
Five minutes later, Mortlock scored near the corner after some frantic attacking play in the Force quarter. It was a little undeserved as the referee and touchies missed two obvious knock-ons in the movement. At 24–all and with five minutes to play, the Force had the field position to be able to convert the Saffy penalty to points and win the match.
For the Force, David Smith was everywhere. This season he’s been one of their very few backs who has the ability to break the line. He improved as the season progressed and, although he has signed with Toulon, seems genuinely reluctant to leave.
Matt Hodgson led with eight carries and was a terrier at the breakdown. James Stannard was quiet this week but had a successful day with the boot (and his try).
For the wooden-spooners, Gareth Delve and Jarrod Saffy were the forward stand-outs, getting through a mountain of work. I hope Cipriani will be back next year to weave a bit of magic with KB and Rabbit. Veteran Morty had his best game in a while but I think it’s time to hang up the boots, old stager.
The Rebels have had a few wins this season and established their ‘brand’, as JO’C might put it. I’m not sure anyone was expecting miracles from them. I thought they’d struggle to win any games.
As for the Force, their report card this year would probably read ‘could have done better’. Closing out those tight games was an issue that needs resolution. Astute recruitment is the key.
Western Force 27 (David Smith, James Stannard tries, Willie Ripia con, Stannard 4, Ripia pen) Melbourne Rebels 24 (Adam Freier, Stirling Mortlock tries, Mortlock con, Danny Cipriani 4 pens)
Match highlights HERE.
