An under-strength Melbourne Rebels have a tough assignment this week as they cross the Tasman to take on the red-hot Hurricanes in Wellington.
The Rebels have just one win from five attempts against the Hurricanes. That win was the first clash between the two sides way back in 2011. Recent form and the home ground advantage would suggest that the Hurricanes are more than likely to stretch that record to five from six.
Form
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Hurricanes
In the first round of 2016 the Hurricanes were a shambles, losing to the Brumbies 52-10. As we all know, they put that game behind them and went on to become the 2016 Champions.
This year’s first round was a completely different story. The ‘Canes travelled to Tokyo to play the Sunwolves for the first time. The match was a high scoring affair with a total of 16 tries and 100 points. Unfortunately for the Sunwolves, the Hurricanes racked up 13 of those tries and 83 of the points to record their largest ever winning margin. The Hurricanes displayed far too much power, speed and precision for their Japanese opponents. Among their ten try scorers, Ardie Savea, Michael Fatialofa, and Vince Aso each scored a double. Starting from the bench, Aso also ran for a competition leading 164 metres and made six clean breaks.
In ominous signs for the Rebels, the aggregate score in their two previous meetings in Wellington is 102 to 36 points in favour of the hosts. They have won their last six home games and conceded only twelve points in their last three. Nehe Milner-Skudder rejoins the team this week with Dane Coles, Vince Aso and Beauden Barrett also named to start. The Hurricanes will no doubt view this game as an opportunity to bank some points and extend their lead atop the conference ladder.[/one_half]
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Melbourne Rebels
In stark contrast to their opponents, an under-manned Rebels were handed a 56-18 thrashing by the Auckland Blues in Melbourne. The Rebels were on their game for the first half hour of the match but were blown away after Reiko Ioane scored a long range intercept try just before the half time whistle. From that point on the Blues dominated the game.
Six players made their Rebels debuts last week including a trio of Australian Under 20s players: Tyrel Lomax, Jack Maddocks, and Jordan Uelese. Uelese became the fifth Victorian raised player to represent the Rebels.
It has been widely reported during the week that Tony McGahan roasted the team for their lack of effort and intensity. In particular, the players were criticised for taking too long to regain their feet after the tackle. Regardless of the result this week, we hope to see a more determined and committed effort from the team. “We have really good confidence in the players we have, we just want to see it” tweeted Assistant Coach, Morgan Turinui.
The Rebels will be bolstered with the return of injured players Chibba Hanson and Mitch Inman, with Marika Koroibete to make his long-awaited debut. Jack Maddocks had a solid start to his career but has been omitted due to a shoulder injury.[/one_half]
Key Match Ups
Let’s take a look at the key match-ups.
Ngani Laumape and Matt Proctor v Reece Hodge and Mitch Inman
The midfield is one area where the Rebels can match it with their opponents. Reece Hodge is going to need a significantly better performance from round one and Inman will need to step up in his first game of the season if the Rebels wish to have any chance.
Dane Coles v James Hanson
Coles is a very mobile player and gives the ‘Canes a lot of foward momentum. Hanson is going to have his work cut out for him but he must find a way to limit Cole’s influence.
Coles – Wears a two, plays like he’s got twelve on his back.
Teams
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Hurricanes
1. Chris Eves
2. Dane Coles (c)
3. Jeffery To’omaga-Allen
4. James Blackwell
5. Michael Fatialofa
6. Brad Shields
7. Ardie Savea
8. Reed Prinsep
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julien Savea
12. Ngani Laumape
13. Matt Proctor
14. Vince Aso
15. Nehe Milner-Skudder
16. Ricky Riccitelli
17. Ben May
18. Mike Kainga
19. Mark Abbott
20. Callum Gibbins
21. Chris Smylie
22. Otere Black
23. Jordie Barrett
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Melbourne Rebels
1. Cruze Ah-Nau
2. James Hanson
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Steve Cummins
5. Lopeti Timani
6. Jordy Reid
7. Colby Fainga’a
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Nic Stirzaker (Captain)
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop
11. Tom English
12. Reece Hodge
13. Mitch Inman
14. Marika Koroibete
15. Jack Debreczeni
16. Pat Leafa
17. Tom Moloney
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Culum Retallick
20. Jake Schatz
21. Ben Meehan
22. Sione Tuipulotu
23. Ben Volavola
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Why bother?
Marika Koroibete will make his long awaited debut on the wing.
Fresh from inking a new two year deal, “The Peoples’ Champ” Laurie Weeks, will break the team’s appearance record.
See if the gritty underdogs can take it up to (possibly) the world’s best club team.
Prediction
I expect that we’ll see an improved effort from the Melbourne team but I doubt that even the most pathological of tipsters is giving them any chance. The Hurricanes are strong in every position and have quality players sitting on the bench waiting for their chance. The challenge is to predict the margin. I’m going with the Hurricanes by 18 points.
The details
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Date: Saturday 4 March 2017
Time: 17:15 local (15:15 AEDST)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistants: Will Houston, Cam Stone
TMO: Aaron Paterson
Weather Forecast: 18°C, showers clearing
Statistics courtesy of OPTA Sports
