The Melbourne Rebels’ hopes of a maiden Super Rugby finals appearance have been rocked by a rampant Chiefs 36-15 in their clash at Waikato Stadium.
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Sitting third in the Australian conference behind the Waratahs and Brumbies, the Rebels needed to topple the two-time champions to give themselves a chance with only four rounds remaining.
But the home side raced in four unanswered tries in the first half to set up the impressive win that sent them to the top of the overall standings.
Melbourne let themselves down with too many errors, turnovers and missed tackles and the clinical Chiefs made them pay.
The Rebels got off to the worst possible start with Chiefs centre Seta Tamanivalu stepping back inside to touch down in the third minute.
The home side continued to pile on the points with hooker Nathan Harris, winger Toni Pulu and playmaker Aaron Cruden setting up a 26-6 halftime lead.
Melbourne looked to have scored just before halftime when five-eighth Jack Debreczeni got a quick ball away to winger Tom English, who dived across in the corner but the TMO ruled the pass was forward.
There was no coming back from that for the Rebels, although they did manage two second half tries to the Chiefs’ one.
Hard-working fullback Mike Harris scored the first, which he converted and also booted a penalty.
Harris also had a hand in the second, splitting the defence for centre Reece Hodge to score late in the match.
CUW
Guest
chiefs will swaet on injuries to LEITCH and SETA. given the chance , i would select Seta ahead of Fekitoa (though he has done nothing wrong) for all blacks. he is big and strong and attracts defenders , just a like nonu or sonny bill. that creates space for others and after a long delay , Seta is playing as if he was born to play super rugger and more :)
Old Bugger
Guest
Oh, and another thing - Wales have a game against the Chiefs on their tour. If as per current thinking Cruden, Cane and Retallick are certainties for AB selection, then I'd like to see McKenzie get a shot at FH for the Chiefs, against Wales. That would probably mean he misses consideration for higher honours but, I think its an opportunity that shouldn't be missed, by Hansen & Co to let him stay and play, for the Chiefs. I'm going to assume that other fringe Chiefs AB selections will also miss out including, Charlie Ngatai and Brad Weber. James Lowe is a rank outsider but, he'd be my first choice amongst the other left-wings outside of, Savea. If Savea still looks over-weight, unfit and ill-disciplined then he may just, get a rocket up his rear, to sharpen up attitudes. If that happens, then Lowe's star comes into candescence but only, if Hansen wants to give Savea, a lesson. Still makes a reasonable Chiefs side to play Wales and give Hansen & Co another look-see on how, those AB fringe players perform, against a touring side, in their SR colours.
Old Bugger
Guest
Geez - a win is a win but last night, I went from the pent-house to the out-house, after the mandatory 10min HT break. Frustrating is just, a well-mannered lip-sync motion, for being totally p*&^ed off. That 2nd half was unbelievably poor but perhaps, it was a feeling of asking for more and, getting less. As Rennie insinuated - "that must've been one helluva team talk, during the break...." It's a short turnaround to Sydney next Friday so, they need to take stock quick smart and perhaps, tone down the adventure just a tad....ha....that's easier said then done, I'd say. Still - the set-piece looks to be on the improve.....a little, anyway. A word to Wal and Highlander......couple of crucial games for the Chiefs coming up in Fiji (v Saders) and Dunedin (v Landers). Both gonna be cracking matches to determine who, will probably top the NZ conference. Can't wait.....