The Rebels have continued their dominance over the Western Force with a scrappy, yet hard fought win in Perth.
Demonstrating a growing maturity, the away team repelled a late Force surge to notch their fourth win in Perth and breathe life into their Super Rugby campaign.
The Match
The Rebels started the first half with intent and after five minutes of sustained pressure Harris went over under the posts. Momentum stalled from here as both teams got a case of the butterflies and errors crept into the game. The committed Rebels defence made the Force resort to poor grubber kicks while the Rebels struggled with their kick-off receipts.
The Force looked good with their kicking game and broken field play while the Rebel’s scrum was strong and their forwards, led by Lopeti Timani and Luke Jones, frequently found the gain line. This scrum pressure turned into points after an excellent set piece play when Dom Shipperley crossed the chalk after a rampaging run by Mitch Inman. A Harris penalty soon after put the Force three scores behind at 15-0.
Despite the scoreboard pressure, the Force continually backed their maul from the five-metre lineout. This faith was misplaced as time and again the Force forwards were driven back by a Rebels’ side who had done their homework.
It looked like the home team would enter half time with a doughnut on the scoreboard until Alby Mathewson snuck in from a quick tap try on the stroke of half time.
Half-time score: 15-7.
Alby Mathewson – snuck in for a try before half-time
The Force looked the better team after the break and kept the scoreboard ticking over with a Burton penalty to bring the Force back within five points. But as the rain started to fall, the wheels completely fell off the Force wagon. Harris slotted another two penalty goals from three consecutive penalties to put the Rebels ahead by eleven with less than 15 minutes to play.
A sloppy Rebels’ scrum in the 70th minute gave the Force the attacking opportunity they needed to bring themselves back into the game. Sustained pressure allowed Tetera Faulkner to bust his way over under the posts and bring the game back to within four points.
The Force battled hard from here and had a few opportunities to sneak the win but they bungled an opportunity in the Rebels 22. They had another break snuffed out when Dom Shipperley earned a breakdown penalty for the Rebels, which allowed them to close out the game.
Rebels take the biscuits in Perth
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The Game Changer
There were a couple of turning points. The Force seemed to wilt when the rains came.
The Force had a penalty in the Rebels red zone with five to play and went nowhere from a quick tap.
A kick to the corner could have seen them steal it at the death.
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The G&GR MOTM
Both fullbacks were impressive. Luke Burton battled with the courage of a lion and displayed an impressive skill set. Harris was the cool, calm assassin.
He constantly threatened on attack, was deadly with the boot and led well from the back. Mike Harris was my Man of the Match.
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Wallaby watch
This game didn’t do much for the reputation of the Force players and the Rebels weren’t a whole lot better. The Rebels front row was worthy of praise; they won their battle with the Force scrum and tipped the scales in the Rebels’ favour. Along with Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley was a standout in the backs.
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The Details
Crowd: 9,972
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Western Force: 17
Tries: Alby Mathewson, Tetera Faulkner
Conversions: Burton (2)
Penalties: Burton [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Melbourne Rebels: 21
Tries: Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley
Conversions: Harris
Penalties: Harris (3)[/one_half]
Cards & citings
None
