Tonight the Rebels host the Highlanders in Melbourne for what will be the final match for both sides in the 2013 Super Rugby competition. Join us at 7.30pm AEST for all the action with live scores and blog updates.
The first day of the post-James O’Connor era for the Rebels begins tonight.
In the immediate aftermath of the Wallabies’ loss to the Lions last weekend, O’Connor was advised his services wouldn’t be required at the club after this season.
Immediately that intention is felt in the Rebels final teams-sheet with O’Connor riding the pine.
Faith that Bryce Hegarty (fly-half), Tom English (centre), Jason Woodward (wing) and Angus Roberts (full-back) are the way forward has been signalled, with all of them included in the starting backline.
An interesting point to note is that Roberts and Hegarty are both in the starting side, which means the hot-and-cold Rebel of the year, Woodward, has moved over to the wing.
Incoming coach Tony McGahan will no doubt look on with interest at all the young faces populating the team.
Hugh Pyle, Caderyn Neville and Luke Jones are all young players in similar positions that will be trying to impress as well.
In particular Jones and Pyle might see a small window of opportunity for higher representation in hybrid the second-row/blindside positions on a Wallabies bench.
Re-signed Shota Horie along with youngsters Paul Alo-Emile and Jordy Reid are on the bench as well.
The future is now for the Rebels.
The Highlanders are coming off the back of a highly entertaining and somewhat ridiculous 49-44 victory against the Hurricanes last week.
The final six tries to five scoreline is one of the bigger ones this season.
The Highlanders have possibly the best one-two punch in Super Rugby at halfback with Aaron Smith (incumbent All-Black) and Fumiaki Tanaka the Japanese import with NOS and accuracy resembling something out of Tokyo Drift.
The rest of their backline will be licking its lips at the defensive record and considering the points they racked up last weekend – look for Hosea Gear, Kade Poki and Jason Emery in space.
And that’s without focusing on my rugby-crush, Ben Smith, possibly the form rugby player in the world right now, if it’s not Leigh Halfpenny.
With stalwarts such as Brad Thorn, Tony Woodcock and Andrew Hore in the pack the Highlanders have probably underachieved there this year, but they’ll present a tough assignment for the Rebels to match-up front.
Don’t forget to log on at 7.30pm AEST for live scores, blogging, banter and commentary of what should be a highly entertaining last ride for each of these sides in 2013.
Ash
Guest
So you change the subject to try and win the conversation......
Andy
Guest
poor buggers. Ill give credit to the aussie teams considering the state of Australian rugby at the moment with u20s, 7s, Lions, Bledisloe etc. At least it will give you something to cheer about.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Kiwibob, You are a legend. What a call!
Elisha Pearce
Guest
JOC was good when he came on. He set up a few tries, one of them a replica of the Lions try between him and AAC. Another was basically a quick touch like a volleyball set pass inside to a flying Vuna on a set piece that was lovely. I think Hegarty has a better ability to keep phases going, but JOC certainly can strike and play with great speed.
Sprigs
Guest
No, they are a good team when on song. They just got beaten.
Sprigs
Guest
His ideal position was on top of the Highlanders' fancied backs, that's for sure..Carved them up.
Billy Bob
Guest
Thanks Elisha, I just woke up to this blog having missed the game. The lions series has knocked my whole rugby calendar out. Your words put me there at the game. Good work. What is the word on OConnor and his 'ideal' position this week?
Bobbo7
Guest
As a Highlanders fan that was pathetic. If you can't defend a 24 point lead at half time you are hopeless. The Highlanders basically didn't make it out of their half in the second half. The season has been shocking and this performance gives me no confidence for next season. But we'll done Rebels
Ash
Guest
How many wins is that for Aussie teams over Kiwi teams in this year's tournament?
Mike
Guest
Apparently Andrew Hore said afterwards: "Halftime is not our friend".
Justin3
Guest
My man crush is alive and well, he is a gun...
Justin3
Guest
Wow, Highlanders deserve what they get for agreeing to that...
atlas
Guest
they have set a record it seems, most yellow cards this year
atlas
Guest
been in news - this version from Otago Times yesterday - he is 'unsackable' The Highlanders will play the final match of their disastrous season against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday, but no matter what the result is Jamie Joseph won't be sacked. It is understood that the Highlanders' coach negotiated a clause into his contract before agreeing to take the job at the end of 2010 that states he cannot be fired due to the on-field performance of his team. The Dunedin-based franchise was so eager to lure the former Highlanders and All Blacks loose forward from his job coaching the Wellington ITM Cup team that the clause was accepted.
Spaldo
Guest
Brad thorn regrets nothing. Re-signings regret brad thorn! (With apologies to chuck norris)
winston
Roar Rookie
I don't understand how Joseph keeps his job?
p.Tah
Guest
Unbelievable. Well done Rebels.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Ah ok. I have no idea who this girl is but it's a shame either way if she has these issue. Ill be having a peak at Buddies twitter very soon! The PR site implied this king guy is an afl player so I ran with it ;)
atlas
Guest
and I can't see it any different next year. Minus Poki, Ellison, Gear - and maybe Slade. Same coach, Jamie Joseph minus any plan whatsoever Wonder if Brad Thorn regretting re-signing?
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Ouch! The Broncos aren't even good!