The Melbourne Rebels have let a second-half lead slip, falling 34-17 against the Lions in South Africa.
Leading 17-14 with 25 minutes left to play, the Rebels failed to secure what would have been a strong away win, they are now left scratching their head, the wooden spoon a possibility with the Rebels facing the Bulls next round.
FINAL SCORE:
Lions – 34
Rebels – 17
The Melbourne Rebels travel to the high veldt in the first leg of their South African tour to face the Lions in Johannesburg.
Tune into The Roar from 3:10am for live scores of the match, and what is sure to be plenty of banter in the comments section below.
The Rebels are coming off a walloping from a rampant Reds side from last week, and have had to endure the gruelling flight across the Indian Ocean to the Republic. Not many are going to be tipping them to defeat a Lions side who haven’t played since the break, with the Springboks taking on Scotland last weekend.
The Lions will be buoyed by their last performance in South Africa against the Bulls, where they got away with an unexpected win. Their latest two games, however, were not so happy going, losing to both the Force and the Waratahs on their Australian road trip.
They will fancy themselves against a tired Rebels side, and have been installed as relatively strong favourited by the bookies.
Neither team is playing for a spot in the finals anymore, but the Lions will want to finish above the Cheetahs on the ladder, while the Rebels are battling with both sides for the Wooden spoon.
Defeat here may seal their fate at the bottom of the ladder.
A proud side, the Rebels will want to avoid that at all costs.
They will fancy themselves to run the ball at the Lions, using their size in midfield with Mitch Inman, Tamati Ellison and Scott Higginbotham to get the ball over the gain line.
Jack Debreczeni will take over the goal kicking duties from Jason Woodward, the Rebels highest point scorer for the season, after the New Zealand-bound fullback was dropped due to form concerns by coach Tony McGahan.
The Rebels will be looking for an improved performance from the youngster, who struggled to make an impact last weekend.
Join us on The Roar from 3:10am for all the live scores and banter.
RobC
Roar Guru
Nope.
formeropenside
Guest
Amazing that Stuart Berry was even trusted to run the line on this match. Did he influence the game in any way?
MMaaxx
Guest
After the Boks smashed the Aussies last year and Hooper was totally outmuscled most Aus fans on here felt he was too small and light weight. Not saying he is but it is funny how sportsman have to endure a roller coaster of fans perceptions.
NOt sure how you can suggest we are stuck in the mud.
Well we are short on experienced halfbacks, Reinach for me is the most exciting, Piet van Zyl seems to have lost form since he went t the Bulls, Sarel Pretorius has been playing behind an underperforming cheetah pack. Ross Cronje is nothing more than a decent super rugby journeyman. Problem is the SA franchises had a bad super xv, so few stood out
Roy Mackintosh
Guest
Thanks Rob. just a wonder how boks are looking for young players hungry enough to respond in time for WC
RobC
Roar Guru
Still have a ways yet Roy, or so it seems from my tiny screen. A lot of points from counter attack. Generally this game Lions didnt seem to be able to implement or mount an attack from their own initiative. Faf didnt challenge the gainline compared to his good games. I guess 8 9 10 impact were more about their individual contributions as opposed to specific combinations. They among others can really know how to spoil and pounce on their opponents game plan
RobC
Roar Guru
Britz looked good in action. Tackles metres etc. Maybe also its the hair
RobC
Roar Guru
Perhaps! But the ilk of Schalk DV Louw Alberts hard to ignore. To be earnest about it. I think Hooper is one of the best of his generation. I just wished he picked 13 as his position earlier in his career. His all round skills acceleration, strength, defensive capability and skill over the ball is ideal for the 15 man game - and stopping an AB / Bok raid. As a team WBs need better efficiency over the ball to beat the ABs. And the 7 is the standard bearer for this. I dont think Hooper concentrates enough on it.
Roy Mackintosh
Guest
Would be great to know why he does not follow the trend and what his intentions are regarding defense. His pace is apparent on attack but absent if he has to turn and defend. His basics look good enough and with confidence and coaching, Who else would you propose ?
Bakkies
Guest
The Rebels passing in the 15 mins was woeful too slow or too high which led to forwards getting isolated. Britz off the bench was impressive for the Lions.
I doubt Meyer will even consider him, too small, doesn't kick enough or control territory, but then he is a maverick, exciting.
Roy Mackintosh
Guest
Interested in your take regarding communication, distribution and energy displayed between 8 and 9?
Nek Minnut
Guest
Thats why the Boks are stuck in the mud, they cant see beyond size. Imo a guy like Hooper, Tipuric or Nyanga would improve the Bok pack no end. Carr is an option that is overlooked due to size also imo.
RobC
Roar Guru
np Roy. Im actually not covering. Just putting down some notes, as per other games :) Saw the Germany France score. Pretty much what I hoped would happen Yes, good job Lions! They can start to build from here especially if they can develop their bench players.
RobC
Roar Guru
Rebs. Had all the momentum til the English dive. Everything after that was to run 60m, lose the ball to a rushing Lions counter attack, then either letting in a try or penalty. Set piece ok 1st half, 2nd half not as good. Higginbotham continues to pile penalties. Lions. Good team effort again, Borshoff kicks and counter attack. Also good job in scambling defence - stopping Higginbotham try efforts on either side of the field. Thats something Rebs have difficulties to do. Some of Lions replacement players lock, 5/8, wing were pretty good. 8, 9, 10 a killer combination. But the other two backrow players made a big difference in making metres, tackles and BD work.
Roy Mackintosh
Guest
So? how about Faf - possible contender?
Roy Mackintosh
Guest
Thanks Rob for your coverage - well done, Embarrassed to admit I was flipping between SWC and this. Needless to say, as simple as football rules are, there is no comparison when it comes to individual pride and physical ability. IMHO rugby and the obvious respect between players, remains something I prefer to see my kids follow. Well done the Lions!
RobC
Roar Guru
Whiteley almost gets a try. Faf slow to recycle and fluffs a try. Long pass over the top, which is dropped. Also fluffs a try
RobC
Roar Guru
He's got the skill, strength. Not sure about the size?