The Rebels recorded a six-point win over the Western Force in the first round of Super Rugby 2016, taking the lead at the 40 minute mark of the first half.
REPORT: REBELS BEAT FORCE IN PERTH
Two tries from debutant Reece Hodge proved crucial to the result. The Rebels scored three tries to one across the match, but the Force kept themselves in the fight kicking four penalties.
Final score
Western Force 19
Rebels 25
The conference clashes in the 2016 Super Rugby season will be extremely important in vying for a finals berth – and this game is no exception. The Western Force and Melbourne Rebels will face-off at NIB stadium on Saturday night. Join us for live scores and a blog from The Roar will begin at 9:50 pm (AEDT).
The Rebels are the favourites for the game against the boys from the West, but will have their work cut out for them following the withdrawal of captain and scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker, who hasn’t been able to recover from injury in time.
Former All-Black flanker Adam Thomson and Queensland Reds recruit, hooker James Hanson, have forced their way into the Rebels line up for the start of their campaign. Hanson makes up a good front row, accompanying Toby Smith and Laurie Weeks while Thomson will work behind up-and-coming Wallaby Sean McMahon and 24-year-old Jordy Reid.
Even with these additions, the Rebels will be concerned about their from away from home. The Melbourne-based squad have only won seven of their last 40 away games, which is an alarming statistic for a team that are capable of truly competing in Super Rugby this season.
The Force will be without key players themselves, with Ben McCalman missing from the starting line-up as he returns from Japan. New recruits Jono Lance and Ben Tapuai get the start at 10 and 13 respectively, significantly strengthening what was a weak backline in 2015.
It may take time for the Force to get going, following a very disappointing 2015 season finishing last with only three wins. However, one of those wins came in the final round of last year against the Rebels – winning a tight affair 13-11.
On a positive note, the Force made the fewest turnovers (13.1) per game last season over the entire competition, a statistic that would have pleased coach Michael Foley, but things look to be on the up in Perth.
Prediction
The Rebels will still be too strong for the Force, but it may be a closer fixture than people think.
Rebels by 6
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Hahah! Thanks for that Harry, do try and pride myself on that behind the scenes.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
I know you are .. just tugging on 'your left one', dunno if you watched the game, it was a goodie for so early in the season
Harry Jones
Expert
Rugby T!!! I am a Blues man; you know that But I didn't see Umaga's plan working with the young halves so soon
Harry Jones
Expert
Thank you Nathan Best dressed blogger on the Roar
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Thanks Stray! Appreciate it
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Cheers Digger! Over to you now (:
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Thanks Rugby Tragic! Appreciate it!
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Thanks for tuning in guys, appreciate the support and glad you enjoyed it! I'll hand over to Digger now, who did a great job earlier today for the inaugural Sunwolves game.
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
Thanks Nathan - great work.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Thanks Nathan ... you are a trooper!
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
Yewww!!!!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
An up-tempo game with a lot of handling errors, sort of stunted the continuity a little, however enjoyable to watch.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Rebels - 25 Force - 19 Great game, good running rugby. Good showing from the Force - notably Jono Lance - and for the Rebels it was the Hodge show. Promising signs from both teams. Definitely positive pieces to take out of the game for the Rebels and Force.
I hope that comes back to bite them.. Should have kicked or gone for the try
Digby
Roar Guru
Good stuff. Thanks Nathan.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'80 - Rebels keeping the ball in the forwards. Scrappy, fist in the face stuff at the end of the game, not a good look. Bit of taunting from the Rebels.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'79 - Not long for the Force to march it downfield. BUT ANOTHER TURNOVER FROM THE FORCE. Not good from the Force at the back end of this game. Rebels maintain possession deep in Force territory. The Force need the ball now.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'78 - Plenty of players down on the field, tough conditions for the players out there! So many down cramping, thank goodness they don't have to back up tomorrow!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Crusaders ... and the Blues *grinning*
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'77 - Rebels going backwards from the lineout inside the Force's 22. Rebels should look to close out the match. They're just controlling the tempo.