The Highlanders continued their Australian tour with a trip to Melbourne to face the frequent flying Rebels, who were coming off a good win on the road in Japan.
The Match
The Highlanders looked good from the start of the game and dominated the early exchanges at AAMI Park but could not find a way through the Rebels’ defence.
In the 22nd minute the Highlanders finally put a try on the scoreboard after a piece of good fortune when Rebels fullback, Jonah Placid, gifted Rob Thompson the ball when he could not control a high kick from Aaron Smith.
The Rebels blew their only real chance late in the first half when Placid could not find Dom Shipperley on a break down the the wing and threw the ball over the side line. Lima Sopoaga kicked two penalty goals for The Clan in the half.
Half-time score: Highlanders 13 – Rebels 0.
Former Sevens’ player, Jack Wilson, scores the game changer in 55th minute
The second half was all about the Rebels lack of ability to break the Highlanders’ ferocity on defence.
There was no scoring for 15 minutes in the second half but then Jack Wilson scored when Rob Thompson chipped the ball down the wing. Then eight minutes later the other Highlander winger, Patrick Osborne, intercepted a Jack Debreczeni pass and ran 90 metres to score in the corner.
These two tries against the run of play were no fluke: they were similar to what The Clan had done to the Waratahs in the first half last week. They waited patiently like chess players for the mistakes they knew would come, and they came: checkmate.
The Rebels may have won three games against sides that hadn’t won a match to date this year but they showed that they are not able to compete with the top teams.
With 72% of possession and all the territory in the second half they did not find a way to cross the Highlanders’ line, yet The Clan were able to pounce on counter attack because they had ready minds.
Ben Meehan boots the ball, but the kicking of AJ Smith was superior
This match was an anti-climax for Rebels’ fans. Both teams entered the match with three wins and the locals should have got a lot more bang for their buck. I expected more of a contest and a spectacle from this game and left disappointed.
This week the Rebels must be looking forward to only having a one hour flight.
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The Game Changer
Wilson’s try put a nail in the coffin of the Rebels. Although the Rebels had been putting the Highlanders under pressure they could not breach the spectacular defence of the visitors and register a try on the scoreboard. But Wilson’s try was no accident: The Clan was ready when the chance came.
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The G&GR MOTM
A few players stand out for the Highlanders, but none more the Aaron Smith. The All Blacks scrum half led both the backs and forwards well and kept the Rebels under pressure all night. Kicked well which also led to the Highlanders’ first try when putting Placid under pressure.
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Wallaby watch
Sean McMahon once again was one of the best for the Rebels.
Was also impressed with Toby Smith tonight.
I thought it was his best game for the season and he should be expecting to be part of the Wallabies set-up again this year.
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The Details
Crowd: 11,500
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Rebels: 3
Penalty: Debreczeni[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Highlanders: 27
Tries: Thompson, Wilson, Osborne
Conversions: Sopoaga 3
Penalties: Sopoaga 2[/one_half]
Cards & citings
None
