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Match Result
A game that wasn’t the greatest spectacle in the world, it was tough and willing without much flashy play and the Rebels for the first time in their history have won back to back games away from home.
They took a big lead early and were nearly run down late in the game but for all their chances in the Rebels’ half the Force just couldn’t finish off their good work which would be frustrating. Timani and Debreczeni the injury concerns for the Rebels.
While Cowan also went down again for the Force, the Rebels move to 2nd on the Australian conference, while the Force can hold their heads high despite the defeat. But they have to learn to hold the ball earlier in the game and the results will come their way.
Rebels 21 defeat The Force 17
Match Preview
The Western Force return home desperate to kick-start their 2015 campaign against a Melbourne Rebels side that has commanded some newfound respect early this season. Join us for live commentary from 9:45pm (AEDT).
After a bright start away from home against the Waratahs, the Western Force have now lost three in a row.
Being ultra competitive over the last few seasons, a loss tonight would be their worst run of form since March-April 2013.
The Rebels also have a chance to create some history and win consecutive away matches for the first time in their history. They managed an away win to the a Crusaders in Round 1, and were competitive at home against both the Brumbies and Waratahs before having their bye.
The Force weren’t all that bad against the Brumbies after suffering a crushing home defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes. Still, there are so many areas they can improve.
Their scrum has been smashed and is going at just 69 per cent – a league worst! Combine that with league lows in tackling percentage (83%) and just 50 per cent goal kicking accuracy, and you can see why it hasn’t been all that great for the Force since Round 1.
The boys from WA also the worst defensively, allowing an average of 3.3 tries a game this season. Watch out for Scott Higginbotham to exploit the Force’s defence. The forward recently became Super Rugby’s top try scoring forward.
For the Force, Nick Cummins did well with his limited opportunities last week, and if he can find some ball on the outside he will be a big danger to the Rebels chances in this game.
Prediction
Expect this one to be a close encounter, with the last seven of eight games between these sides seeing the losing team go home with a losing bonus point.
I like the way Melbourne have played so far, and coming off the break they should be fresh and ready to create history.
I’m tipping the Rebels in a tight one.
Rebels by 6.
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.