Roar Guru
The Melbourne Rebels will look to build on their fantastic victory over the Brumbies last week when they take on the Highlanders in New Zealand. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEDT.
Melbourne threw the form guide out the window last week, upsetting Australian conference leaders the Brumbies at AAMI Park.
Coming off three straight defeats, not many expected the Rebels to challenge a Brumbies outfit chasing its fifth consecutive victory.
After a slow start however, the Rebels came to life and produced some terrific attacking rugby en route to an upset 32-24 victory.
Having rediscovered winning form, the Rebels will be keen to establish some much-needed winning momentum.
Their opponents tonight were soundly beaten by the Blues last week and will be keen to bounce back at home.
If the Highlanders hope to get back to winning ways, they will have to keep Rebels fullback Jason Woodward quiet.
Woodward was superb against the Brumbies last week, scoring 27 points and scoring a terrific try after showing great strength and speed to beat four defenders.
Woodward’s confidence will be sky-high after this performance and he will fancy his chances of opening up the Highlanders’ defence if given room to move.
The Rebels must also keep tabs on Ben Smith. Smith was the only player that looked likely to trouble the Blues last week and is the player that could spark the Highlanders to life.
While the Highlanders will prove no pushover at home, Melbourne’s terrific victory over the Brumbies last week could see the Australian outfit play with the attitude and intensity required to secure their second straight win.
Rebels by 5.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEDT.