The Melbourne Rebels’ rock-solid defence has denied the Sunwolves their first Super Rugby win with a 35-9 victory in Tokyo.
The Rebels were the first Australasian side to face the expansion club but ensured their winless start continued on Saturday with a dominant showing at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
Melbourne’s defence starved the home side of a try as they battered the line a number of times.
The Rebels only missed nine tackles for the match compared to the Sunwolves’ 29.
Lock Lopeti Timani was one of their best as he snaffled a ball when the Sunwolves were only a metre from the line, but he also spent 10 minutes on the sidelines in the second half when he was yellow-carded for an alleged shoulder charge.
Down a man, the Rebels were still able to hold firm and scored themselves through hard-working skipper Sean McMahon.
Holding an 11-6 lead at halftime, the Rebels, on the back of trips already to Perth and Pretoria this season, could have been forgiven for running out of steam.
But they stepped up the pressure in the second half to score through halfback Ben Meehan, winger Tom English and then McMahon’s effort.
PiratesRugby
Guest
I thought The Japanese winger played well. Looked for work. Had the crowd on their feet.
PiratesRugby
Guest
I was at the game and I've got to say that the Jspanese fans were marvellous! Very knowledgeable. Respectful. They turned out in much better numbers than Rebels fans do for our home games. And a lot of them sat in the rain. I like bed that move where the Sunwolves cut us open in the first half. Would love to see the replay of that to work out who did what. The key to the game was the breakdown. Or as the fella in front of me said at half time "your players are very good at stealing the ball." Quite.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Yes, understand the coach must make the hard decisions bit but it makes me wonder why he has Matsushima in the team at all. Matsushima's confidence must be rock bottom. And I don't think he would have missed a crucial tackle. He would be energised in front of the home fans. He spent all last season at the Tahs and did not get on the field. Yamada the Wolves wing spent all last season at the Force too not that many Force fans would know it. He was equal leading Super try scorer going into this round. If they don't get on the field the coach decides by perception not rugby fact.
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
LIT, I take your point, but respectfully disagree. If in those final 10 minutes that the Wolves were camped in our 22 Matsushima had been on and missed a crucial tackle to give the Wolves a sniff, I would have been rabid with anger. McGahan's first responsibility is to the Rebels (and by extension, rugby in Victoria). He has no responsibility, at all, for the health of rugby in Japan.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Thanks Melissa. Coach Hammett will not be satisfied with that performance and neither were the Wolves fans. Too many mistakes, particularly in opposition red zone. Must say too, the decision by McGahan not to have Matsushima even on the bench was a regrettable one. Matsushima was a RWC hero for Japanese fans and not to have him on the bench, even for a final 10 min cameo was poor. Not good for Matsushima's confidence and not good for the game in Japan. I know the coach will talk about hard decisions and all the rest of it but he should not forget about rugby ethos.
Stray Gator
Roar Rookie
Try here. http://goldwinwebstore.jp/ec/contents/canterbury/sunwolves/ If that fails, give up and support the Rebels http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
Can anybody tell me where I can buy Sunwolves merchandise?