It has always been a goal of the Army to travel interstate and actively support the Rebels. Even in its infancy (back in 2009), it was a milestone for us to head into what you would jokingly call “enemy territory” and show other supporters what Australian rugby was missing.
On Saturday night, we achieved this goal, in more ways than we could see.
It started with supporter’s touch-match between the Army and the Tah Patrol (Green and Gold Rugby), which was staged at the Sydney Roosters training ground in Moore Park.
Historically, it was the site where visiting representative teams, including Victoria, trained.
The game itself was played in great spirit, ending in handshakes, photos and customary beers. You’d have to ask yourself, though, how often does that happen with supporters in general?
With the camaraderie aside, it was time to head to the Sydney Football Stadium and engage in ‘white line fever’.
At the suggestion of the NSW Rugby Union/Waratahs, the Rebel Army and Tah Patrol would occupy two bays, side by side at the Northern end.
It was hoped this would take the rivalry into the stands and create a vocal atmosphere, something lacking at NSW games (and other provinces). The desired effect was achieved in some regards.
The Tah Patrol did their best considering that the concept of active support is new or foreign to them.
The Army could have been better also, though considering our numbers and newcomers, it was difficult to attempt complex chants.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when several other pockets of Rebels and Waratahs supporters became vocal.
Post-match, Nic from the Tah Patrol congratulated us (with a photo) and we also received feedback from several other supporters, appreciating what we were trying to do.
Even though the result on both occasions didn’t go our way, the general consensus was that rugby was better for it.
We hope to repeat the feat when the Brumbies host the Rebels in Canberra.
Mike G
Guest
Hey Gavin, as all have said above a mighty congratulations to you & others in the Army. You guys (along with big sections of the Force crowd too I have to say), have really given the live game atmosphere of Aussie Super games a real kick along. The games including the Rebels have all had quality vocal support, and my mates and I have all commented on how good it would be, to be amongst it. So rather than just talk about it, we used the excuse that one of the boys is a Reds fan to get a small tour party together for this Friday nights game!!. Flights & acc booked, Melbourne here we come!! Any tips on the best area of the Stockade we should buy tix, to lap up the atmosphere??? (ie I've heard the Yarra end is where the Army are...is that correct??) Cheers & congrats again Mike
jus de couchon
Guest
Sadly here in soccerland UK the idea that jovial but opposite fans could be seated opp eachother is unacheivable.
p.Tah
Guest
Gavin, I sat behind the Tah Patrol and the Rebel Army on Saturday. It's been a long time since I saw the Tah Patrol at the game. There was a noticeable increase in 'noise' at the SFS. Nothing like what I experienced at AAMI Park, but encouraging for a Sydney crowd in the rain. I don't understand us Sydneysiders. We all talk about wanting an atmosphere and wanting to cheer on the team but only a handful actually do. Perhaps we need someone to orchestrate it... Tahs Patrol, this is your cue. I must reiterate what other posters have said; you, Nev, Paul and the the Army must be commended for the passion you have developed for the Rebels. Its great to see. Hopefully it's infectious and rubs off on the other Aussie team supporters.
Crashy
Guest
Damo - you could argue the same about the Roosters and the Swans - when they are going well, everyone loves them. When they are not - well look at the Roosters a couple of years ago and the tahs in 07/08.
Damo
Guest
King - interesting what you said abOut Tahs team and set up being hard to 'Respect' . There is something in the fans too. Tahs come from a big rugby state and not all fans feel represented by the team from Moore Park. Unfortunately Tahs and fans don't have the siege mentality you get with an underdog team like the Rebels have,The Brumbies had,and the Reds have had to get where they are. Tahs and fans need a passionate underdog fighting spirit like your rebels and fans have. Good on you. Well played.
Gav
Roar Pro
Cheers. We hope that the Army is a catalyst for change. Hopefully there's near to 20,000 on Friday night. It's a big game, Queensland vs Victoria. Watch this space regarding the Wallabies.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Gavin and the army, keep up the tremendous support fro the rebels. its a very welcome addition to the rugby landscape. there were alot of naysayers prior to the Rebels inclusion, but since that open the game the players, the fans and the city have shown their is a palce for top flight rugby in Victoria. More supporters are needed like the army. it can be tough in NSW though because we have a team and organisation that is very hard to respect. but hopefully that will change one day. hopefully the rebel army can also get behind the wallabies this season as well. also, the crowds in melbourne have been very impressive. how are you looking for this friday?
Gav
Roar Pro
We've already played in Perth, it will have to wait until next year. We plan to visit each province eventually.
Gav
Roar Pro
We published details on our social networking channels as well as our website from about February. Hope you can join us in Canberra.
Gary
Guest
Look forward to seeing you in Perth. You will have a hard act to top after the Crusaders supporters last week.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Gav, Next time you are traveling into 'enemy territory' please announce your itinerary in this forum so that many more may join you for that beer and to be amongst other supporters whose enjoyment of the 16th man's role is as important as the game. The positive energy emanating from Melbourne is awesome. Go the Mighty Rebel Army!! Carn the Rebels!! signed, Lonely (in Brisbane). ps: At the Suncorp game I sat in the visiting supporters bay near one other supporter, a convert from AFL still struggling with the complexity of our Laws, it was a very difficult night.
Sportfreak
Guest
I had quite a funny exchange on saturday. I was watching a club rugby game with a few mates. through the fence.a bloke in a rebels polo shirt muttered something about 'bloody waratahs'. We enquired whether he was going to that night's game at the sfs and he replied that as a victorian on a temporary work assignment in Sydney he found that 'no b@stard' in Sydney wants to talk AFL (his words). His reasoning for wearing a rebels shirt as an excuse to talk to Sydneysiders. He tottered off after wishing our team the worst of luck- we replied that we look forward to hating the rebels in years to come. I enjoyed the noise that the rebels made at the sfs on sat night in the rain. Well done
Dave
Guest
well done gaving and to the rest of the army and also the tahs patrol. maybe you can also fit in a game between the army supporters from victoria and those from sydney if there was one set up. its always good hearing you guys on telly rain or not win or lose. im a big fan of european club rugby mainly because of the way their supporters gets behind their team and hope one day that sort of support will reach our shores and thanks the rebels for trying.
Matt
Guest
Nice work Gavin! You guys have earned a heck of a lot of respect, and rightfully so. Hopefully the Rebel Army continue to grow from their own maiden season and also continue to lead the way for other Super Rugby fans, showing how it should be!!