The only Australian derby of Round 15 takes place tonight at AAMI Park as the Rebels host the Waratahs. Join us here from 7.40pm AEST for the live blog and score updates.
After a week of Wallaby squad squabbling it is nice to get back to the rugby and this match should provide lots of interesting viewing.
It will also allow the punters and selectors to look at those who missed selection and evaluate their worthiness for one of the ‘Wallaby Six Pack’ (as christened by Brett McKay) spots to be announced on June 11.
The hosts are on a high, coming off their first ever win over a South African team as they toppled the Stormers last week.
The win eased the pressure on head coach Damien Hill and Scott Higginbotham and his boys can give him some more breathing room with another upset win this week.
There is no doubt however that the Rebels have benefitted from the rub of the green from the TMO in recent weeks.
Their close losses and even their win were all marred by controversial decisions to award the Rebels tries and deny the opposition points.
For all the attractive rugby they have played, and as much as Australians love an underdog, surely their luck must run out at some point, the Waratahs will be hoping it is tonight.
The other key point for the Rebels is whether or not newly named Wallaby flyhalf James O’Connor will line up to start.
Early in the week he said he was feeling good but that a decision wouldn’t be made until closer to the game. If he does play, he can be sure all eyes will be on his performance.
Rebels fans will also be keen to see if their locks, who have so long been overlooked by the national coach, will stand up and hit back against the more favoured Waratah second row.
The visitors meanwhile, are on a roll, an ominous roll. The Waratahs have won their last three matches in a row and are making a late charge for the finals.
Apart from playing some truly good rugby they are also building belief, in themselves and in their long-suffering fans.
With four games to go the Waratahs can ensure a finals berth by winning them all, and even dropping one match puts them on the cusp of a wildcard spot.
Add to that the fact that the Waratahs have won the last three fixtures between these two teams and it is a very handy spot to be in.
As always eyes will be on Israel Folau but sharper rugby minds will be looking at the performance of Berrick Barnes (whether he starts or comes off the bench) who was selected off the back of three part-matches this season; and Benn Robinson who tends to slacken off when he is under no pressure (and having secured a Wallaby spot you can be sure the pressure is right off).
The Rebels always have the potential to be blown away in a very one-sided game, hopefully this is a close and entertaining match.
Worlds biggest
Guest
seen a couple of comments about Australian games lacking intensity, I disagree. The Brumbies v Reds was a cracker and resembled an International in intensity, the Reds v Force was physical as was the Tahs v Brumbies which was brutal. The Chiefs v Crusaders was right up there but to say the Wallabies will be lapped in the RC is poppycock. Anyway there is a Lions series to focus on firstly.
Carl Pieters
Guest
Lmfao... love your name.
RebelRanger
Guest
Of course we have JOC as the picture for the article. Ignoring the fact he's not starting or on the bench. Or even the fact that we need to get rid off him so we can use his salary to buy players that contribute to getting us wins
Hambone
Guest
Pyle has been a rock this season... Definately worthy of a place in the squad.. Big part of young rebels team
Hambone
Guest
Uh oh... Looks like some competition in town for young Jimmy.. He will have to update his hair cut me thinks.. Haha
Catch ball Kick ball
Guest
He seems to enjoy kicking the ball away..
Morfs
Guest
I'm finally on my way home after celebrating the win. Folau looked reluctant to take any tackles, IMHO, which was perhaps the only negative in his game, and maybe what you had misgivings about. Besides that, tonight was the best 'team' effort I have ever seem the Rebels put in. Very much appreciated. I hope they can improve from here.
AdamS
Roar Guru
The norm is to play what is in front of us and own out reality. You can't be as positive as you like about taking a knife to a gunfight, but most call that delusional.
Stiv
Guest
Just saw this headline on a news website: "Sword-wielding, armour-wearing man surrenders" Cheika?
Stiv
Guest
Agreed!! Mebbe he was trying to win brownie points for an early Tah starting slot next year?
barbz
Guest
Should re-watch that linebreak. I can't stop. Just seeing Dave Dennis not even bother to move up with the line and then slump to the ground in his tackle attempt.
Justin2
Guest
At least Izzy ran for a 3m try... And the boys pulled off a cracking win. Go the rebels. Maybe Hill can take over from Deans, playing a good brand of footy with barely a star in sight. He has surprised in the last month, without his two stars.
Justin2
Guest
Pyle has been doing it almost all year. Not even a look in yet Douglas and timani are there.... No decking idea these blokes ;)
AdamS
Roar Guru
On the whole, SXV this year has been blindingly good in terms of competition. Can't remember so many genuine after the time finishes.
Well Ruck me.
Guest
Ioane is not available for test 1. I doubt that Mowen will start. Test 1 Robinson Moore ????? Simmons Horwill Higginbotham Palu Genia JOC Tomane Lealiifano AAC Cummins Barnes Faingaa Slipper ????? Timani Mowen Burgess Beale Folau
Dan H
Guest
Yeah and I meant that but if you read the rest of it you will find I was making a reference to the last game the rebels played the tahs and were penalised out of the game. The main point I was making was that it was a bad call... for the record it was. The rest of it was just trash talk but if you want to pick on that rather than the substance of what I was saying by all means go ahead. Im sure you can more than give it on a reds article or thread so stop being such a butch.
Carl Pieters
Guest
Does Matt Lucus have mild dwarfism or is he just a little guy that has done too much gym work?
hog
Guest
Now that was an enjoyable 80 mins, and a good nights sleep ahead. GO REBELS!!!
Carl Pieters
Guest
Bet he turned you on
Carl Pieters
Guest
Does Berrick Barnes not enjoy his rugby? Why does he always have that sulky, whingey face? Grow a pair of balls.