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The Rebels were on fire against the Blues in Round 13 scoring five tries in a bonus point win.
The win, which included some thrilling attacking rugby, now shakes up the Australian competition with the Rebels now sitting on 29 points, just two spots shy of the top six.
While there were stand-outs across the park for the Rebels dread-locked flanker Jordy Reid was immense racking up 22 tackles and six turnovers.
Colby Fainga’a also had a fantastic game scoring a try and, like Reid, pulled off some incredible work at the break down. Scott Higginbotham wrote himself into the record books becoming the highest trying scoring forward in Super Rugby history when he crossed for his 30th.
Mike Harris also equalled the record for most points by a Rebel on the back of some incredible kicking off the tee.
While the Blues played with great intention it was a performance that the Auckland franchise would rather forget.
Numerous handling errors and poor breakdown execution let the side down and led to a number of Rebels tries. But it wasn’t just that for the Blues – at times they seemed to mentally switch off.
There were some individual performances for the Blues worth noting, however. Centre George Moala had a strong game, as did substitute halfback Jamison Gibson-Park. Giant 19 year old Akira Ioane further stamped himself as a player to watch out for after annihilating Lopeti Timani early in the first half and following through with a strong performance both on offense and defense.
While some will argue that the Blues were, at times, unfairly treated by the referee Angus Gardner the side did not do nearly enough to win this one. Simply, they were outperformed by a Rebels side that on the rise that just keep ticking the scoreboard over.
A long week ahead of the Blues and their coaching staff, but for the Rebels the forthcoming weeks will be crucial.
Rebels – 42
Blues – 22
Round 13 will see New Zealand’s bottom of the table Blues visit AAMI Park to take on an inform Melbourne Rebels side looking to squeeze into the finals. Join The Roar from 7:40pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary of all the action.
The Rebels have denied that finals thoughts have entered into their brains following last week’s win over the two-time champion Chiefs, but it would be hard to ignore that voice if they can defeat the Blues at home.
Melbourne’s halves combination of Jack Debrenczeni and Nic Stirzaker have been in sublime form of later, and together have managed to control much of the pace of the last three games. Debrenczeni has also been mercurial with the boot from long range, booting a 50m + penalty last week against the Chiefs.
This match will be the Blues last away game for the 2015 season, which has undeniably been one that they would rather forget.
Making things difficult for the tourists has been the exclusion of first choice All Black Jerome Kaino, who will miss four weeks due to a compound fractured ring finger. Rubbing salt into the already wound that is the Blues’ injury list.
Kaino has been replaced by young international Steven Luatua, who will also take over as captain. The team has also reshuffled their backline with Ihaia West returning to the number 10 position, Visinia has moved to fullback and Li to the wing.
The Rebels, on the other hand, have no such worries. The side sees the return of fullback and sharp-shooter Mike Harris, as well as Tom English and Colby Fainga’a to the starting line-up and Scott Fuglistaller to the bench.
However, form backrower Sean McMahon will not feature due to an injury sustained last week against the Chiefs.
On paper, the Blues have a dominant front-row that features dual international and Super Rugby centurions Keven Mealamy and Tony Woodcock. However, ‘on paper’ form has never meant much for the Auckland franchise, which has been continually disappointing despite its large catchment area.
The Rebels will look to dominate again through their youthful second row pairing of Jones and Timani. The game will be an important one for the latter who was out of form in last week’s win.
The game will be a big one for a Rebels side that currently sits on a 50 per cent win rate for 2015 and are trying to sniff you a bonus point victory to keep their finals hopes alive. The Blues on the other hand have only pride to play for.
Given this, and in spite of their previous win/loss ratio I cannot go past the Rebels to beat the Blues.
Join me on The Roar from 7:35pm (AEST) to see all the trans-Tasman has to offer.
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.