Well, here we are at the run in to the finals and lo, the Rebels are genuinely in the mix after their stunning win over the Chiefs.
This team has become competitive in a non-rugby city with a playing roster which, on paper, is nowhere near its competitors which often have internationals in abundance.
In the last three weeks the Rebels have beaten the Chiefs by 1, the Brumbies by 5 and lost to the Waratahs by 2. These are top-six teams playing for the title at the business end of the season.
This means the Rebels are genuine contenders and, if they manage to edge into the playoffs, have a decent chance of winning against most. They currently sit 10th on the Super Rugby table, but are only a win off the Lions and Crusaders with a game in hand.
The Rebels have been consistent all year, with their only real dusting being by the Hurricanes in Wellington. This is no disgrace as the Canes are clearly the team of the tournament so far with the most outstanding attack. They defend pretty well too.
So how was this team developed so well? A logical assumption might be that the club management chose its coach wisely.
Tony McGahan is well regarded for his work in Ireland and was recruited into the Wallaby set-up. I would hope ambition led to his move to the Rebels head coach job.
A second logical assumption is that McGahan has recruited smartly. The team is solid without being star-studded and plays together well as a unit. In Jack Debreczeni he looks to have recruited a Wallaby playmaker for the future. Perhaps the near future.
A final thought. The NRL set up a wonderful franchise in Melbourne which has won a couple of undisputed premierships and come second other times. I get the feeling the Rebels are on the cusp of being similar if they can recruit or develop three or four of the best.
taylorman
Roar Guru
They are. It would actually be great if the Rebels did win this. Off the chart wins in a tournament of this calibre would do more for the game overall than say the tahs or saders winning it again.
Crusader Fan
Guest
Dreams are free anyway
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Haha!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Mate, I'm trying to stay off the radar! We are going to be tested for sure. I know injuries affect all sides but the loss of Kaino and Piutau is huge... to be a contender, they will need to beat teams above them in the table ... *whew! ... did I get away with that one?*
bennalong
Guest
Sorry Steve As A Tahs supporter I'm also a fan of the Rebels because of their rise. I can say this because I have followed their rise from stout defenders into a well drilled team that can score tries, and McGahan has established himself as a future contender for Wallabies coach. But to say.............."if they manage to edge into the playoffs, have a decent chance of winning against most"................................. .... is a bridge too far ! They will be lucky to make the playoffs in my opinion unless a whole lot of unpredictable things were to happen (eg injuries to the Brums and Cheifs missing AB players) in that event they would be lucky to match it with most of the leaders. Luv 'm but keep it real.
RedsKing
Guest
Technically they could, but realistically, they can't. The same could be said about the Lions.
pim
Guest
I was appalled with the standard of pro Rebel reffing. Aussie refs are not the best- this was the worst of the worst.. If you use this as proof of Rebels abilities you are living in cloud cuckoo land.
Markus
Guest
See the one logical assumption to the Rebels winning Super Rugby. Opposition teams hate them!
Play the Game
Guest
Every dog has it's day!
Mike
Guest
If they make the playoffs and knock off the Canes and Chiefs that would say something about the standard of the NZ conference as well - :P
Wii
Guest
Interesting you bring up a refs call that cost the Rebels the chance, yet when Chiefs fans rightly slammed Lees performance they were lambasted here on the Roar
Play the Game
Guest
As a team the Rebels have serious limitations,but it would be good for them to make the playoffs.However,if they make the playoffs and knock off the Tahs and the Brumbies, that would be saying something about the standard of the Oz Conference.Every dog has it's day, but during a whole comp I can't see it, although anything is possible, just like last week result between the Rebels and Chiefs.
Jerry
Guest
While the Bulls & Reds matches are the only ones I'd say they SHOULD win, they're capable of winning any of those matches, IMO. I think they'll drop a couple, but I'd back them to get at least the two wins & BP they need. Realistically, they're 14 points ahead of the Rebels, it'd take a proper old testament miracle for that lead to be hauled in.
Paul
Guest
That's just it. I don't see them winning 2, let alone 3. Bye, Canes, BULLS, Landers, Reds, CANES, Reds and Bulls maybe, but I still think they'll drop one of those. They'll lose both Canes matches and I think to the Highlanders away also.
Tatah
Guest
What is does highlight is the level of McGahan's coaching over the two disasters that are Foley and Graham. Even with injuries they've had much more to work with and have been awful, over many years and numerous franchises.
LEN
Guest
Looking at the draw over next 3 weeks i expect the CHIEFS to drop ,BULLS to drop , HIGHLANDERS to go up with the WARATAHS on their heels, CANES to stay on top, STORMERS to go up...BRUMBIES to finish 6th ??
Jerry
Guest
The Chief realistically only need 3 wins from their remaining matches, 2 might even do it with bonus points. They're still good for the finals.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Blues are on the up! Its just where they're on the up from that is the problem... :-) ...Ioane to carry the side to glory in Melbourne!
Paul
Guest
I expect they'll drop the game to the Stormers away, but I think they can take the Sharks away and bulls at home and could very well get on a roll. A few things are just beginning to click and with the Chiefs falling away and the NZ derbies to come I can see that last loss to the rebels costing them a spot in the finals. My crystal ball has Hurricanes Waratahs Stormers, followed by Brumbies highlanders Rebels. Very pie in the sky, but possible.
Connor33
Guest
But Brett have you looked at their upcoming games - they play three of the lowest ranked teams (some of which lack their best players due to injury): Blues* Reds* Stormers Sharks* Bulls^^^ Force* They will lose to the Stormers, but after beating the Chiefs and Brumbies (and nearly beating the Tahs), do you really think they cannot beat the other teams, half of which are at home? If they can beat the Sharks in SA, I think their toughest game will be the Bulls (other than the Stormers, of course). But beat the Bulls and they have 5 from 6 equaling the magic 10. Of course they need some bonus points along the way, but so does everybody else. Cut me down for being overly optimistic - and yes, they will not win the thing - but I think they may be in a purple patch and hopefully they can get better in the weeks to come.