The Melbourne Rebels have broken a three-game losing streak, holding on for a one-point victory over the Pretoria Bulls.
The First Half
The first half was a relatively subdued affair with both teams playing a field position game. They started with lots of forward runners, big kicks but with little back line flair.
The first points went to the Bulls from a lineout play from which Matfield make easy metres. Greyling finished off the move with a pick and go try. Potgieter converted to make the score 7-0.
It didn’t take the Rebels long to bounce back. Their efforts were rewarded with a first-time try to Sean McMahon. From the back of a scrum Stirzaker and Higginbotham were able to draw two defenders and he flew onto a pass to go over. Harris converted the try to tie up the scores 7 apiece.
Both teams were their own worst enemy for the next 15 minutes; promising movements, finished off with poor ball handling, resulted in a number of stoppages. After a scrum penalty to the Bulls, Potgieter kicked a penalty goal and take the score out to 10 – 7.
A quick restart allowed the Bulls regain possession deep into the Rebels 22. From the lineout the Bulls set a rolling maul and eventually scored a well worked try to Labuschagne. The Bulls are experts at scoring tries through mauls and the Rebels didn’t have much chance this close to their line. Potgieter converted to make the score 17 – 7 to the Bulls.
The Rebels peppered the Bulls defensive line in the last ten minutes with multiple raids. It took a set piece on the 5-metre line for the Rebels to finally score a try. Debreczeni sold a nice dummy to suck in two defenders and contort his body enough to put the ball down. Harris converted the try to make the scores 17 – 14 to the Bulls at half time.
Well done Sean on scoring your first super Rugby Try.
The Second Half
The second half started with the Bulls in control through their big men, who made some handy metres up the middle. A Rebels infringement at the breakdown was punished by Potgieter, who kicked a comfortable penalty from close range. Score 20 – 14 to the Bulls.
It’s here things become interesting for the Bulls. The Rebels quick-tapped from a penalty infringement and ran down to the Bulls 22 metre line. A cynical infringement by Greyling earned him a yellow card and a penalty for the Rebels.
After a few attempts, the Rebels were finally able to penetrate the Bulls line and Timani punched through three defenders to score. Harris make a nervous crowd very happy by converting to give the Rebels a slim 21 – 20 lead.
After the restart the Bulls was able to regather and drive deep into the Rebels 22. Odendaal was in possession and beat a number of Rebels defenders to crash over the try line.
The Rebels faithful held their breath whilst the try attempt was reviewed. Numerous replays didn’t show a clear grounding by Odendaal, therefore no try was awarded.
From the scrum restart the Bulls hammered the Rebels line for a sustained period. The Rebels were up to the challenge, repelling each raid with rock solid defence.
It was through some luck that Odendaal’s next attempt at a try was cruelly denied through his foot on the sideline chalk. Clearly poor Odendaal must have seen a black cat on the way to the stadium.
Poor Burger Odendaal – Two Tries disallowed in the space of 5 minutes. What rotten luck.
The remainder of the match reverted to another slugfest, with no team looking like they would add to the score. The Bulls made repeated raids to the Rebels line, but the composed Rebels defence once again held strong. Time eventually ran out for the Bulls, the match ending with the score at 21 – 20 to the Rebels.
The Wrap up
The match wasn’t a high-paced affair, but was certain physical and showcased some wonderful defence from both teams.
The Rebels wanted to record their fourth home victory this season, with a number of Rebels putting in strong performances. McMahon, Fainga’a, Shipperley and Higginbotham were all excellent. Crawford made some nice touches off the wing and the halves pairing of Stirzaker and Debreczeni controlled the game tempo for the Rebels.
The Bulls wanted to keep their slim finals hopes alive with a bonus-point victory. Odendaal, Matfield and van der Merwe all had good games for the Bulls. Sadly, a combination of ill-discipline and bad luck cost them the game. This game was also the last Super Rugby game in Australia for Matfield, who received warm ovation from the Rebels crowd when he departed the field.
Despite the last minute personnel changes to the Rebels side, they managed to hold their composure and grind out the win over the Bulls. Defence was notably stronger than the last few weeks, despite the absence of Ellison. The Rebels composure in the last twenty minutes underscored their progress in this area throughout the season.
Tough minds win tough games.
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The Game Changer
Two moments signified the Bulls afternoon; the disallowed try at 60th minute and the missed try at the 65th minute.
In both situations the Bulls had the Rebels under immense pressure, but somehow the Rebels defence held and they wrestled back control. The Bulls will look back on these events and wonder what could have been.
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The G&GR MOTM
This week’s Man of the Match goes to Colby Fainga’a. He played the role of chief breakdown pest to perfection. His defensive effort was underscored by some bone-jarring tackles and three pilfers (leading to three penalties). On attack he was the clever link man, supporting many raids into the Bulls 22.
Honourable mentions to McMahon, Higginbotham and Shipperley.
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Wallaby watch
Michael Cheika will be impressed with the efforts of McMahon, Higginbotham and Jones tonight. All had strong games and worked tirelessly in and attack and defence.
McMahon has developed a strong partnership with Fainga’a as the breakdown bandits. Alo-Emile, Smith and Stirzaker would have Cheika interested as potential options.
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The Details
Score & Scorers
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Rebels: 21
Tries: McMahon (10), Debreczei (39), Timani (58)
Conversions: Harris (11, 40, 59)
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Bulls: 20
Tries: Greyling (4), Labuschagne (29)
Conversions: Potgieter (5, 30)
Penalties: Potgieter (25, 42)[/one_half]
Cards & citings
Greyling: Yellow
Crowd: 10,123
