The Melbourne Rebels hold on to deny the Queensland Reds their first win of the season.
The Match
Both teams had endured a tough week and looked to make an impact on the pitch. The Rebels returned from their road trip, bruised, battered, but with a win against the Force. With a number of key players out through injury, Melbourne still managed to field a competitive side. However, just before kickoff the Rebels plans were again thrown into disarray with the late scratching of Tamati Ellison.
In a history making moment, Sione Tuipulotu was drafted into the side. A special moment for both him and the Victorian rugby community, who finally saw one of their own play for the Rebels.
The Reds had endured a horror week with the sacking of Richard Graham. The new interim co-coaches, Matt O’Connor and Nick Stiles, had only a short amount of time to bring a broken team together. The Reds faithful were hoping for an immediate bounce in fortunes, sparked by the change in leadership. Could all these elements combine for an unlikely win on the road?
First Half
The first points went to the Rebels through two Jack Debreczei penalty goals. The Rebels were able to exert adequate pressure at the breakdown, leading to two kickable penalties. The first was kicked from over 40 metres out, a good sign that Jack’s king form was on song.
The Rebels soon extended the lead with a nice team try. In open play McMahon and Tuipulotu combined to exploit gaps in the Reds defence, making a good 15 metres. Meehan regathered at the breakdown, kicking a grubber for the running Placid to collect and score the Try. Debreczei converted to take the score out to 13-0 to the Rebels.
Soon after Dom Shipperley ran a nice line on the left side, gaining excellent field position. He was tackled by Karmichael Hunt, but the fullback didn’t release the player and conceded another penalty. Debreczeni kicked another penalty goal and take the score out to 16 – 0 to the Rebels.
Five minutes before half time the Reds struck back with their first points of the match. Hendrik Tui caught the Rebels asleep and run deep into the Rebels 22. With only Placid to bet, he passed to a running Frisby to score the Try. McIntyre converted narrow the Rebels lead. Scores 16-7 to the Rebels.
A quick restart allowed the Reds to earn another penalty. McIntyre was able to score and make the scores 16 – 10 to the Rebels at half time.
Excellent debut for homegrown talent Sione Tuipulotu
Second half
The second half started slowly for both teams. Debreczei and McIntyre were both able to add penalties earned form breakdown infringements. Crucially, Debreczei was unable to score from a difficult kicking position, which contributed to the excitement later in the match. Scores 22 – 13 to the Rebels.
Samu Kerevi started to dominate the second half with some good runs, exposing a tiring Rebels defence and setting up good field position for his team.
This field position paid dividend with a Try to the Reds. A powerful maul from a lineout allowed Andrew Ready to score. McIntyre converted to narrow the lead. Scores 22-20 to the Rebels.
Deep in the Rebels territory the Reds were able to inflict some revenge, earning a penalty for a collapsed scrum. A composed McIntyre kicked the Penalty to take the score out to 22-23 to the Reds. For the first time in the match (and maybe the season) the Reds had hit the front.
Sadly for the visitors, the lead didn’t last. The Reds conceded another breakdown penalty, gifting an opportunity for Debreczei to take back the lead. Jack made a very nervous crowd happy by kicking the penalty and snatching back the lead. Scores 25 – 23 to the Rebels.
After the restart the Reds mounted an all-out attack on the Rebels and were rewarded with excellent field position. A yellow card to Anthony Fainga’a slowed, but didn’t halt their advances. With only minutes remaining the reds appeared to position for a drop goal attempt. McIntyre, suffering from cramps, was unable to set up for the kick and the ball was eventually stolen by the Rebels. To the relief of adoring fans, the Rebels were able to hold on for a narrow victory.
Final score: 25 – 23 to the Rebels.
Samu Kerevi instrumental to the Reds revival in the second half
The Wrap Up
The Melbourne Rebels celebrated a deserved win which should have come earlier than the last three minutes. The Queensland Reds showed encouraging signs of improvement and were a kick short from a last second come back.
Both team are far from the benchmark set by the Brumbies and have a long way to go if they are to be competitive for the finals.
Sean McMahon led from the front all night
The Interviews
At the end of the match Rebels’ coach McGahan and stand-in captain McMahon were happy about the result, but both emphasised the fact that the team should not have been in the position it was in the last three minutes of the match.
Nick Stiles was eager to praise his players for the come back and for the way they proudly wore the Queensland jersey. In his opinion a lack of experience and cramps for Jake McIntyre were to blame for the missed opportunity to score a last minutes kick.
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McGahan
“We shouldn’t be in that position”, referring to the last three minutes of the game, “we had plenty of opportunities to make sure we had full control. The trust and the discipline of the group was terrific.”
“We had double pull outs late in the last two weeks, Sione didn’t had too much for prepare. He was terrific. He is delighted and we are delighted for him.”
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[one_half last=”yes”]Stiles
“First half very disappointing, we gifted too many points to the Rebels, to fall behind 16-0 was disappointing but then we addressed a few things and we put ourselves in the position at the 79th minute to win the game. It is a step in the right direction, but we came down here to win”.[/one_half]
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The Game Changer
Hendrik Tui‘s line break at the 35th minute of the first half transformed a one sided affair in an entertaining, whilst scrappy, game of Rugby. The Reds were looking unable to answer to the home side territorial and possession dominance. After Tui’s run and subsequent Frisby’s try found the required momentum to bring the game into the Rebels’ territory.
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The G&GR MOTM
Sean McMahon stood out for the Rebels. The stand-in captain was able to lead with example his team. Together with his “bash brother” Jordy Reid, he was constantly running at the Reds defence.
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Wallaby watch
Not so many new faces on display tonight for Michael Cheika. Players like Tui, Setu, Placid and Reid are good prospects, but not yet there to compete against the existing 23 squad.
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The Details
Score & Scorers
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Rebels 25X (16)
Try: Placid 15′
Conversion: Debreczeni 1/1
Penalties: Debreczeni 5/7
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Reds 23 (10)
Try: Frisby 35′, Ready 60′
Conversion: McIntyre 2/2
Penalties: McIntyre 3/3
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Cards & citings
YC Fainga’a 72′
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Crowd
10,114
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