The Melbourne Rebels stole the Super Rugby show in Round 12, defeating the two-time champion Chiefs in a gutsy fashion.
At the heart of the Rebels victory was diminutive redhead Nic Stirzaker. Not only did the young halfback set up incumbent Wallaby Scott Higginbotham but crossed the white line himself following a brilliant break that exploited the Chiefs forward-pack from the lineout.
Higginbotham’s try was particularly special, his 29th equalling the most ever by a forward in Super Rugby
Stirzaker’s fine game caps of a brilliant display by the Rebels’ inside halves over the past fortnight. Again, Debreczeni was strong – showing incredible range with the boot.
Despite their lack of internationals the Rebels forward pack held the advantage over the star-studded Chiefs side, which fail to generate any continuity in a game that has somewhat jeopardised their finals hopes.
The sides speed off the defensive line was critical in stopping the Chiefs dangerous backline from firing, however, it came at the cost of star Sean McMahon.
While reports are still out on the young backrower’s injury, sideline commentary did reveal that he was in severe pain due to a hip injury.
The Rebels have now beaten three previous Super Rugby champions in the Brumbies, Chiefs and Crusaders – not to mention a close loss to the Waratahs that easily could have been recorded as a win if a few variables fell in their favour.
While the Rebels management have stated that they are “not focusing on the finals”, it will be hard to keep that little voice out of their head.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, were noticeably disappointed with the result and, from the impression gathered from captain Liam Messam, have squandered a perfect opportunity to gain a rare win on tour.
The Waikato based franchise will now look to recuperate with a bye in Round 13, before a tough New Zealand derby against the table-topping Hurricanes.
Final Score
Rebels – 16
Chiefs – 15
Ben Gibbon
Roar Guru
Difficult to be a Rebels fan boy as a Highlanders supporter - but nice try.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Taylorman - You are very illogical. Each try is a unique and separate occurrence and each and everyone subject to review and conjecture. If you agree / disagree with one it has no bearing on how you should judge the others.
PeterK
Roar Guru
None. I know what the laws are as does Jerry. You note he agrees with me on both tries.
Taylorman
Guest
Peterk, that try was viewed and deemed to be correct. You have no right to suggest it was anything other than a try when you are prepared to accept that Stirzsackers was fine in the same breath. You either accept the ruling or you don't. What is your problem?
PeterK
Roar Guru
Brumbies have been stiched up against Stormers. Stuart Berry is the ref. Sean Veldsman is the TMO. I agree with a lot of people neutral refs must be used.
Jerry
Guest
He could, but if all available evidence was inconclusive, he'd be wrong to rule it offside.
ben
Guest
Well if you go by rennies statement they were down to 13...i would expect he would know before spouting off.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Has anyone confirmed that only 13 men were on the field? If so that is a bad blew by the off field officials in not allowing the sub. Further tests being ordered is fine.
PeterK
Roar Guru
of course he could rule Messam offside, that is what is called a 50/50 call, TMO and refs rule either way all the time. I said there was doubt which is correct. If the initial grounding was on the line that was not clear to me.
Jerry
Guest
Even in slow mo it was inconclusive as to whether Messam was offside, so you'd have to say the ref couldn't rule he was. The pick up was offside, so the grounding doesn't really matter but for what it's worth the initial grounding looked to be on the line. The rolling forward was minimal and irrelevant.
ben
Guest
Theres also the major issue immediately after the yellow card where Tameifuna after being cleared of any concussion by the chiefs medics is ordered off by the match medics for another examination and not allowing a sub....so at the time of Stirzackers try they were down to 13. Rennie stated (and i have no idea whether its correct or not) that incidentally "thats where our prop defends in the short lineout.. at the tail".
Uncle Eric
Guest
Neutral refs, neutral refs, neutral refs. You can then question the level of competency and consistency, but it makes it harder to throw bias into the equation. By the way as a neutral I thought Lees' performance was very ordinary. At least he's consistent in that.
PeterK
Roar Guru
He was not the rebels best player as claimed. He made some mistakes, did not manage offside well, nor players leaving their feet at the breakdown. Players being held back , held down in back play is something the AR's should look out for , he is supposed to focus where the ball is and near surrounds. In the major areas of contention. The reversal of the try was correct for the kick by the the chiefs player, there was also doubt that Messam was onside, that was never resolved. I agree the yellow was soft but this is in line with how most foul play of this sort is being treated by all refs. Look at all the soft yellows for lifting. The stirzaker try was spot on and correct by law. The reversal of the try for obstruction in the maul could of been wrong. But so was awarding the Cheifs try where the player picked the ball up from the ruck whilst he was standing in the ruck. The ball was also rolled forward after he placed it, could be called for playing the ball on the ground or knock on. Not a good performance. A middle of the road performance for a junior ref. Not as one way as Kiwis claim nor as poor as claimed since the major decisions that people actually complain about were correct.
Jibba Jabba
Guest
And your (honest unbiased) summation of the ref performance in that game is what ?
Riccardo
Guest
If you read Allanthus' very good write up yesterday Bray's dictum was reversed by Lees Wii...
PeterK
Roar Guru
considering the author is a kiwi hard to imagine him being a rebels fanboy
Chivas
Guest
Ain't that the truth. Missed some steel to take it up the guts and smash over the advantage line. Brodie leads the packin this area and unfortunately when he is not there nobody seems capable of picking up the baton. I also thought at times Tim Nanai overplayed his hand a little, probably based on the confidence he gained from the way he has dominated in the last few games. This week resulted in a few crucial turn-overs. I did like his kick in behind a flat rushing defence which resulted in a try. And good effort on the rebels win. I thought they played with enthusiasm and were solid. Sure the refs calls probably favoured the rebels in this match, but the Chiefs allowed that to be a deciding factor rather than overcoming it. But in the wash up it is still in the chiefs hands wherher they end up first or fourth. They just made it a bit harder.
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
Hmmm, why so late with the match report - a pony die? Anyhoo, nice to read about it all again.
Jerry
Guest
The Rebels did win the forward battle though. They bossed the middle of the park and didn't allow the Chiefs any go forward. Chiefs missed Retallick big time.
Wii
Guest
Did Lyndon Bray or Greg Peters actually come out and say something about the match Riccardo? I've been waiting for the same old regurgitated piece that they had reviewed the match and their ref was holier than though he is incapable of making mistakes.