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Super Rugby gets into full swing tonight as Melbourne Rebels host the ACT Brumbies at AAMI Park tonight. Join us for live scores from 7.40pm AEDT.
The Rebels come into this match having won their season opener against the Western Force, a game played in an almost carnival atmosphere where both sides threw the ball (and their bodies) around.
There was an almost reckless joy to proceedings, and they set a benchmark for the tournament as a showcase of positive rugby.
Despite losing to the West Australians in most of the key stats, the Rebels never really lost control of the match.
It was an organised chaos – the kind the Rebels seem to be patenting. Their play was erratic, uncouth, and for short periods throughout the match, very effective.
If they can string these phases together for longer periods they will contend for the title.
At times their play was mesmerising. Hugh Pyle’s try in the corner was artwork – a perfect display of skill, speed and teamwork.
Greater control at the ruck is an area that flankers Scott Fuglistaller and Higginbotham will want to improve this week as the Brumbies will be launching into rucks like birds diving into water from 1000 feet.
Fullback James O’Connor ran scythes through the Force defence but in the end it was his kicking that proved the difference. His six-from-six conversion rate proved enough to seal the win.
No doubt Rebels coach Damien Hill will be requesting his team tone down on the brain snaps as ill discipline was a feature of their play.
Scott Higginbotham is quickly branding himself a renegade, which is all well and good however he is more use on the field than off.
If he does a spell in the dugout every week the referees will lose tolerance for his antics. His Rebels debut included a yellow card for punching, a decision that gifted Alfie Mafi a try in the corner.
You could almost hear the Force forwards ring out in a chorus of “hands’ll do it” as the backs shifted the ball one out to an unmarked Mafi who went over to score in the 26th minute.
Now on to the Brumbies, who are also off a solid win against the Queensland Reds following their season opener last week.
Despite dropping off 19 tackles they managed to squeeze the Reds and prevented Quade Cooper and co from playing any of the fancy stuff that made them famous in 2011.
While it may have not have looked like it at the time, the Brumbies maintained good control over the match.
It’s a credit to their work at breakdown, led by new recruit Pocock, and their decisive attacking play in which Jesse Mogg featured heavily.
Coach Jake White’s first job would be to work on his kicker’s confidence, with Christian Lealiifano spraying the ball everywhere but straight last week.
No doubt the Brumbies will be looking to inflict their boa-constrictor gameplan on the Rebels tonight; although they may have more luck sucking the oxygen out of the stadium if the Rebels’ recent enthusiasm is anything to go by.
The highlight of last week’s game saw one of those rare genuine pleasures for fans on both sides of the pitch as Clyde Rathbone ran back on the field after a significant hiatus to receive his 50th Brumbies cap.
One of the hardest-running wingers in the world, when Rathbone slams into the defence he brings with him 400kg of momentum. He also brings 14 men so let’s hope he sees plenty of ball tonight.
Join us at 7.40pm tonight on The Roar, the place to be for live scores and where you can have your say on the go.
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.