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The Melbourne Rebels put a serious dent in the Waratahs’ surge to the Super Rugby finals with a 24-22 upset win on Friday night.
The Rebels finally got a taste of victory against the Stormers last round following a series of close defeats and made it two from two at AAMI Park with their first-ever win over NSW.
The loss could be a near fatal blow to the Waratahs’ finals hopes given they were already outside the top six heading into the match.
NSW halfback Brendan McKibbin had the chance to grab a late victory with a penalty kick with two minutes remaining but sent the ball right of the uprights.
The Rebels again secured the win without their stars with James O’Connor (injured) and Kurtley Beale (suspended).
Skipper Scott Higginbotham and dangerous fullback Jason Woodward were among their best.
The Waratahs led 19-13 but two penalty kicks by Woodward, thanks to ruck infringements by NSW flanker Michael Hooper, tied up the match and Melbourne got their tails up.
After a break by Woodward they sent the ball wide and Lachlan Mitchell found winger Tom English who dived across the line in the 75th minute for his second try of the night.
It was a sweet moment for Mitchell, who threw a pass just before halftime that was intercepted by Israel Folau, which gave NSW a 16-13 halftime lead.
English also scored in the ninth minute after a sweeping backline move.
The Waratahs had their chances to wrap up the match.
McKibbin slotted a penalty with 13 minutes remaining to break the 19-19 deadlock.
He stepped in after the Waratahs goal-kicker Wallaby Berrick Barnes left the field in the 53rd minute looking troubled by a leg injury.
But McKibbin was unable to repeat the feat for his team’s most important kick.
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.