Rebels need on-field leadership to advance

Sixo - an apology - I spoke too soon and just realised that, indeed, you did write that piece before the Hurricanes game - I hope you will allow for my early onset of senility!!

So are you now saying that you wrote your article, based on the Reds game as opposed to the Hurricanes game? Naughty!!

trite stuff - who have you been reading to trot that out - did you not watch the game on Friday night - best bit of captaincy that I have seen in a long time (see below)

Mate, I absolutely beg to disagree.....! Sure, the Rebs were down 17 points in a fairly short space of time, but the game plan changed mid first half when they realised that they were aimlessly kicking too much ball into the hands of some good attackers like Nonu and Smith. You could actually see the change take plade. Stirlo stood up, told his backs to stop kicking aimlessly, urged his team to play more ball in hand and treasure their possession. As soon as that happened, they immediately began to make inroads, and over the course of the remaining part of the first half, they self-tweaked and began to get good, controlled possession and then they started to slow down the breakdowns, almost impercebtibly, so that, by half-time they were in total control of possession. If you watched closely you saw Stirlo (or Snorky as he is known at the Rebels) shouting very short, sharp and concise directions at his team, keeping them under control and shepherding them into a commanding position. To me, watching, it was a brilliant piece of captaincy. Teams don't turn themselves around to that degree without someone at the helm commanding the ship (Brumbies take note!!...couldn't you use Stirlo (sorry, Snorky) this year??....I bet you are regretting letting him go, now). I have no doubt that Gareth Delve is a great leader, also, but as a number 8, I would expect him (if I were coaching) to do what number 8's do - which is to have your head down, attacking everything and putting every ounce of your energy into doing it - not a position to be in if you want to also be the conductor of the band! From that position, it's a little hard to see what the people behind you are doing. A number 12 or 13 or higher can see what is in front of him. Stirlo (Snorky) is the man for me! .....(and the Wallabies..fast track him back into the squad, Robbie)

not only that, but I could imagine supporters of the club would be saying "rebel night friday night" or "rebel friday". Supporters of the club would be used to it, routine like. That helps.

Agreed, it helps a lot, especially when a fair few of your supporters are coming from the city straight after work, have a beer and a bite to eat along the way - great night out - one AFL game at the G is nothing to worry about, only 1 or 2 Melbourne clubs, plenty of supporters to go around

Well done Rebels. It was as if at the 17min mark the teams swapped roles, the passing between the forwards and the quick retention was awesome. Just tighten up the defence and the Rebels would really push the big teams. The Canes are right sh!te this year, no direction and constant panic to push things leading to mistakes. They miss Piri Weepu like the Saders would miss Carter, they're just headless.

What is smart from the Melbourne Rebels is that they play their home games every friday night. When you have your home games on the same day and timeslot, it does make it easier to attract a crowd. Almost 17,000 tonight.

Gee not sure about this..... Mortlock was sensational tonight. A player who has captained his country can never be underestimated when it comes to his club side. His performance tonight was wonderful and he continues to deserve his position as captain. Don't forget he's coming back after a debilitating injury. Gareth Delve, is, however a wonderful and very deserving candidate as well - perhaps co-captain is not a bad idea. I continue to be pleased and surprised by Delve's consistency and fantastic go forward. I find myself wishing he hadn't played for Wales and had an Aussie grand parent! So pleased the Rebels stuffed up my tipping this week - go you Rebels (unless you're playing the Tahs). JP

I haven't watched Richard Kingi before - but he is a talented footballer and there is no doubt about that. The scrum was solid, they defended like it mattered and played for the crowd. Waratahs take note - you were a disgrace last weekend. Reds, Rebels and Force play with pride and that counts for a lot.

Fantastic game, I've absolutely loved watching the Rebels play this year.

Top work Stirlo, you still have it! (I thought the Welsh 8 was one of the quieter forwards ...although they all played well, other than an unfit Rodzilla).

most unbelievable game of rugby I've seen in years. Wonderful game of rugby!

I think they found their on field leadership tonight... Coming back from 17-0 to win by that much. Everyone has to love the Rebels... Except the Hurricanes perhaps!! The Rebs forwards were outstanding, turned their set pieces around good work boys. Good work Rebs. Given me the lift I needed after the Tahs capitulation. Now Tahs go out there and smack those Brumbies!

Totally disagree. The Rebels are a new team to the comp, have one of the weaker squads in the comp, have no experience playing together and are plagued with injuries. They are doing bloody well considering and this is due in large part to the tactics and leadership of Stirlo. They have the ability to look outclassed and still hang in there, and even win. Comparing with the Force who had a superstar team, the Rebels a doing far better point for dollar. Granted they have been thrashed a couple of times, but so have a lot better teams this year, and the Rebels have far more excuses. I don't think a different captain would have made any difference Stirlo has the leadership experience at all levels of rugby through all conditions and game results, he also has a good relationship with McQueen that give both their messages a sense of unity. Stirlo is a proven winner. I predict his form as player will only get better as he gets more strength and confidence after his surgery; and his form as captain will improve as the Rebels learn to play together. We'll be talking about him in the same way many have been talking about Umaga over the past weeks.

I think it's simplistic to lay the poor form of the Rebels at the feet of Mortlock. I would say the Rebels are doing as well as can be expected. This is a tough comp, & many of the Rebs haven't been exposed to this level & pace of rugby at all, or for some time for others. It takes a while for a new team to gel. Mortlock has nothing to prove, he's captained both the Wallabies & Brumbies. Gareth Delve will be a terrific skipper when Mortlock hangs up his boots.