The Rebels’ celebrations turned sour as they sank to a disappointing 40-18 loss to the Highlanders in their Super Rugby clash in Melbourne.
Like a bottle of champagne that lost its fizz, the Rebels produced a flat performance at AAMI Park, unable to translate their off-field success this week with the signing of Wallaby and NSW star Kurtley Beale and emerging young players Nick Phipps and Hugh Pyle.
Lock Pyle did manage to score but that didn’t come until the 65th minute when the win was out of reach.
Their trademark aggressive defence was missing – Highlanders winger Kade Poki skipped through seven Rebels to score in the second half – while they barely threatened in attack.
Usually one of their most consistent performers, English five-eighth Danny Cipriani had an off night but he wasn’t alone.
Skipper Stirling Mortlock was a late withdrawal with a hip injury and the new centre combination of Mark Gerrard and James Hilgendorf, who hadn’t played since round one, struggled.
The Highlanders suffered an early blow when they lost five-eighth Colin Slade four minutes into the match with a cut head and possible jaw injury.
The New Zealanders weren’t flustered but his replacement Robbie Robinson could only managed to kick four goals from 11 attempts.
Scoring six tries, it didn’t matter.
The Highlanders had a 22-6 lead at the break thanks to tries by Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai and Siale Piatau, whose effort came in the final minute of the half.
Both Piatau and Thomson again crossed in the second half, the latter diving over in the corner with 10 minutes remaining after a burst from the halfway line.
Veteran Rebels prop Greg Somerville barrelled over for a try in the 78th minute but there was little else for the crowd of 18,739 to cheer about.
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mattamkII
Guest
the 10,12 and 13 interplay was as poor as I have seen at this level.
Stu Wilsons Gloves
Guest
Highlanders were class last night, hats of too Malborough's finest Jamie Joseph he really has turned them around quick smart.
allblackfan
Guest
Saffy and Vuna have been promoted into Super rugby too fast (sounds familiar). They're still coming to grips with the game.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Unlucky for Slade alright - he had a real opportunity to show his ITM Cup form on the big stage after moving south this season. Cruden's playing in a side that hasn't got its mind on the job, which doesn't help him; Stephen Brett is doing okay at Auckland; Matt Berquist has filled in okay at the Crusaders; and and this reliable fellow Mike Delany at the Chiefs has been a pleasant surprise too. I think Stephen Donald is due back shortly. They're all not Carter, Taniwha, I agree. Donald attracts more madly hysterical brickbats from NZers than I've enjoyed reading in a long time for his poor decision making at national level; and Cruden didn't fare so well when he ran on with an All Blacks side that had a lovely long sleep for half a game last year.
Harry
Guest
Clearly the Rebs need Mortlock fit and well if they are to be any chance. they were directionless last night and did not treasure the ball. Bubble bursts on Phipps, Saffy and Vuna. All were poor to average at best last night. Highlanders played as a team and were well co-ordinated.
Taniwha
Guest
Not at first five though, and Slades broken jaw reduce the pickings further.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Yep - funny how passing accurately and catching reliably improves performance.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Good isn't he? They've got an emergent breed of hard running 8s there now, with Reid and Thomson. And yet he has to beat Kaino and Reid to get a run with the All Blacks, and now there's Todd on the open side - spoilt for choice in 2011.
IronAwe
Roar Rookie
Yeah, he didn't have a good game at all this weekend. Two of his missed tackles pretty much directly lead to trys. Well done the highlanders.
saliosi
Guest
I ope i never have to read about Vuna being a possible wallaby again, he's slow, can't pass either side and has an allergic reaction to tackling.
Rich
Guest
Jamie Joseph is a genius, not the other bloke.
Geoff Brisbane
Guest
Not bad for a team of so called minnows. Well Done the Highlanders. Rebels need Mortlock and dare I say it so do the Wallabies.
Max
Guest
I absolutely loved Adam Thomson's try, had a ridiculous grin on my face the whole time. That dive at the end was a thing of beauty. It blows my mind how athletic forwards these days are. I don't know if any of you remember any of Messam's tries for the NZ Maori last year but he did some similar sorts of things.
nathan
Guest
what a let down, the rebels were awful. looked like they were reading too much of their own press this week, and forgot to turn up on Friday. Geez the Highlanders have improved. for the last few years they have been as crap as the Lions, Cheetahs but this season they a the real deal, ruthlessly efficient they were.
dunc
Guest
If you haven't seen this game, watch the replay! Kade Poki busts seven tackles to score and Adam Thomson runs around the fullback sprints down the line to score in the corner.... yes the Rebels defence was woeful. Cipiriani's attempted tacke on Poki was very poor...
Hombre
Roar Rookie
Very business like job - unlike say the hurricanes or some of the Aust teams the highlanders didn't take things for granted and did the basics right - do that against Melb and you as good as assure yourself of 5 points
Moaman
Guest
"They could be a surprise face in the finals." They have some tough games immediately ahead--if they can eke out some points over the next 3-4 matches they will be knocking on the door.
CizzyRascal
Roar Guru
Some of the Rebels defence was just absolutely shocking. I also can't believe how much they missed Mortlock in midfield. They have a real lack of strike runners in that area. Thought Kingii did well again. Well done to the Highlanders. Jamie Joseph has done a fantastic job with them. They could be a surprise face in the finals.