The Rebels travel to New Zealand to face the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium on Saturday evening. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm (AEST).
It’s been a rather disappointing three weeks for the Chiefs. Although they collected helpful bonus points, all they managed to gather was one loss and two draws.
The drawn games were the real let down as both were winnable. These teams weren’t expected to pose a genuine threat to the Chiefs and yet they stole the show. It was pure mental strength and talent which allowed the Chiefs to stay in those games.
Coming into the clash against the Rebels there is going to be a lot more expectations on the home side.
They’ve lost their co-captain and one of their most consistent players this season with Aaron Cruden out for at least eight weeks.
Now the pressure will be on the rest of the team to fill in the gap.
The Rebels have an opportunity to do what the Force did three weeks ago – beat the Chiefs. It might seem like a tall task for the men from Melbourne; though a win on the road doesn’t feel too far away.
Last week was a game that got away from the Rebels; they were competitive throughout and fell just three points short of a win. The Rebels really have been their own worst enemy in the past few rounds failing to replicate their early season form.
Still the Rebels can take a lot of positives out of the three-point loss. They played an impressive game, showed poise, control and desire.
But do the Rebels have the ability to win on the road?
There is no easy road win in Super Rugby, especially against the defensive stoutness of the Chiefs.
Tip: Chiefs
clarkeg
Guest
You are correct in regard to the law. He had to do one of 3 things immediately...get up with the ball, pass the ball or release the ball. So he should have got to his feet then kicked the ball. Should have been a penalty.
Jerry
Guest
It was really good play from him to chase it down and quick thinking to kick it rather than throw it out, but I'm still not sure of the legality. It might be that a kick would be allowed as a 'release' but it seems a bit of a stretch to me.
clarkeg
Guest
Yes good point. It's not often you see that happen. The referee went to the TMO to confirm that he had not thrown it out. I like you thought ... mmmm....not sure if youre allowed to do that.
Jerry
Guest
Am I the only person who thinks Hegarty should have been penalised for kicking the ball out when on the deck? The laws say he can pass or release the ball (or, if not tackled he could get to his feet with the ball). Nothing about kicking.
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
Very true. It was head scratcher. Even the one in the first half where they had a chance for three they turned down, despite trailing 19-0 they refused and wanted the 7. If they had taken that early 3 points who cows what could have happened even then.
Common Sense
Guest
Just in! Connacht sign Chiefs center Bundee Aki.
Batdown
Guest
Off to Melville Clubrooms for a beer then to The Bank to celebrate with the bros! Hood Street will be going off and I'm not looking forward to the hang ova in the morning! Go the Chiefs!
Speckem
Guest
There is no real confusion, board members are making decisions best left to coaches.
Common Sense
Guest
Best kind of attack :)
Batdown
Guest
Hardluck Melb Rebels. A hardfought win by the Chiefs! The Chiefs are making a unwelcome habit of "just" winning or drawing their games but as always a win is still a win. Credit to the Rebels for bringing their strength and character to our home. They may have lost the game but they gained well deserved respect from us at the Tron.
Highlander
Guest
Good call, izzy going to having an interesting discussion with the ARU tomorrow i think
Highlander
Guest
4 penalties conceded and zero physical threat - captains calls pretty ave as well
Common Sense
Guest
Fox sports need to stop putting players on the spot when it could back fire on them, they did it to quade cooper 2 years ago and he got a massive fine for it.
felix
Guest
Dont worry Folau you can come play for the Stormers! Haha :-D
Common Sense
Guest
I don't know what all this confusion is about with folau not playing, the aru is protecting their best player for the wallaby season, simple as that! Get over it. The all blacks do it all the time to preserve their best players and lets be honest, the international season is more important than the super rugby season.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Higgers should've gone for another scrum on the line, match went begging for that decision.
mel
Guest
Argh! Why higgs didnt take another scrum is beyond me!
Schuey
Guest
Izzy is fuming. ARU might regret ruling him out
Paul
Guest
Poor choices by Higgs in the end. Should have gone scrum again, not a pointless tap against a set defence. They had a win all set up and bottled it.
Panko
Guest
Izzy flaming the ARU in his pre-match interview