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The Melbourne Rebels host the Wellington Hurricanes at AAMI Park in Melbourne tonight, with both sides coming off close losses last weekend in games they could have won. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:40pm (AEST).
The Hurricanes loss and the Chiefs victory last week means the Hurricanes have lost their top spot in the New Zealand conference.
They now sit seventh overall, with the Crusaders’ large victory against the Brumbies moving them alongside the Hurricanes on 26 points, but giving them a better differential and sixth spot.
The Rebels are currently sitting in 11th overall, but ladder positions and the thought of easy wins over teams sitting near the bottom have gone out the window in this year’s competition. It certainly is the closest competition for some time, and any team is a live chance in every game.
Tonight’s match will be just the third between the Hurricanes and the Rebels, with both teams having a win apiece.
Both sides have had to make changes due to injury. The Rebels have lost halfback Nic Stirzaker to an ankle injury and will look to Luke Brugess to fill the gap. The only other change from the team that lost to the Sharks is the inclusion of Pat Leafa for Shota Horie.
The Hurricanes have lost Jeremy Thrush, who will be replaced by Blade Thomson in the starting team. The Hurricanes have also had a reshuffle in the pack, with Reggie Goodes slotting into loosehead prop for Ben Franks, who moves to tighthead in place of Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.
One of the interesting aspects of this clash is the differing styles that both teams play – the Rebels favour a defence-based game, while the Hurricanes go for all-out attack.
If the Hurricanes can unleash Julien Savea and Alapati Leiua, it will certainly keep the Rebels busy. The Rebels do have a great midfield defence in Mitch Inman and Tamati Ellison, and the match could be decided on how well this Rebels pair can stop the Hurricanes onslaught.
This is a tough match to predict, but I think that the Hurricanes will get past the Rebels. If their forwards can deliver them some quick ball, the Hurricanes backs will give them the advantage.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.