The Rebels will face the Blues in a crucial match
Tomorrow’s match between the Blues and the Rebels is one of the most important, if not THE most important for the Rebels season. Dave Wessels’s team comes from a two games winning streak against the Brumbies and the Sunwolves, not unbeatable opponents, but though they played in the ACT and faced an in-form Japanese side.
The trip across the ditch may represent the right push for a historic playoff berth or the virtual end of a none the less positive season.
The Form
The Melbourne Rebels comprehensively smashed the Sunwolves last week in Melbourne after scraping the win in Canberra with a last minute penalty from Reece Hodge.
The Blues are off the bye, after a two games losing streak and have managed three wins for the season. They are currently ranked fifth in the New Zealand conference.
The Teams
Rebels
Only two changes for the Rebels from the last match, with New Zealand born prop Jermaine Ainsley and back rower Ross Haylett-Petty, both returning from injuries.
Reece Hodge will start again from fly-half, with Billy Meakes and Tom English in the midfield and wallaby Dane Haylett-Petty as full-back.
Jermaine Ainsley propelling his way versus the Brumbies
Blues
The Blues made six changes from the team defeated at home by the Crusaders two weeks ago. Alex Hodgman and Matt Moulds will join Ofa Tuungafasi in the first row, Terrence Hepetema will play second five, Michael Collins joins at fullback with Matt Duffie moving to the wing, where Tumua Manu will be in the starting XV.
They will play without two big names; the injured Sonny Bill Williams, and the resting Rieko Ioane. Apparently, the NZRU can impose to their contracted players not to play for their Super Rugby franchise for the benefit of the national team, a novel concept in Australian terms.
Matt Duffie manages an high ball in the Blues match versus the Hurricanes
Considerations
The Rebels face the weakest team in the powerful kiwi group, a team that is constantly beaten by their countrymen, but that was capable to dispose of the Australian conference leaders in their only game against a green and gold team. The Blues will miss two of their best players and as often in Auckland, it seems like everyone is just waiting for the season to be over.
The Rebels have recently improved in their week areas – scrums and line outs – and will boost an almost full strength team. They have a real chance to take home the victory, although the often deserted Eden Park is not an easy hunting ground for aussie teams.
Key Contests
So, where are the key battles for the match?
Number 8
Amanaki Mafi will face in Akira Ioane the best of Blues this season. As often happen when a team is not performing well the Number 8 is the only shining star, and the veteran is definitely a master of the role.
Both back rowers are capable of powerful runs and can impose their authority at the breakdown.
The midfield
The Blues’ 9-10 combination has more matches together under the belt than the newly formed hinge Ruru – Hodge.
In a game where the forwards will have to provide good possession for the backs, the speed of the halves will be fundamental in unleash the potential of the backs, and both team have speedsters on the wings capable to inflict pain on the scoreboard.
Incidentally, Rebels’ Michael will almost certainly face off his younger brother Jonathan, reserve scrum half for the home team.
Prediction
A win for the Rebels could give them the push for playing in the play offs for the first time in their short history, a weight on the shoulders of the players as well as a great motivation boost.
The Blues have nothing to gain and nothing more to lose, but who has ever seen a kiwi team conceding victory to an aussie one without putting up a huge fight?
Nevertheless we back Wessel’s boys to bring home a win.
Rebels by 5
The Lineups
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Rebels
1. Fereti Sa’aga
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Matt Philip
5. Adam Coleman (capt.)
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Colby Fainga’a
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Michael Ruru
10. Reece Hodge
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Billy Meakes
13. Tom English
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves:
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Ben Daley
18. Sam Talakai
19. Geoff Parling
20. Ross Haylett-Petty
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Tayler Adams
23. Lopeti Timani
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Blues
1. Alex Hodgman
2. Matt Moulds
3. Ofa Tuungafasi
4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
5. Matiaha Martin
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Dalton Papali’i
8. Akira Ioane
9. Augustine Pulu
10. Stephen Perofeta
11. Tumua Manu
12. Terrence Hepetema
13. Orbyn Leger
14. Matt Duffie
15. Michael Collins
Reserves:
16. Leni Apisai
17. Pauliasi Manu
18. Sione Mafileo
19. Ben Nee Nee
20. Sione Havili Talitui
21. Jonathan Ruru
22. Bryn Gatland
23. Tinoai Faiane
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Details
Date: Jun 2, 2018
Venue: Eden Park
Kick-off: 3:15 PM (AEST)
Referee: Nick Briant
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