In front of 8,823 people the Rebels have defeated the Force 27-22 in Melbourne.
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Both sides lacked imagination in the first half, thankfully the pace picked up in the second.
Mike Harris spoiled his great week – after being named in Michael Cheika’s Wallabies squad, he busted early, put Reece Hodge away for the opening try, but then promptly limped off with a hamstring twinge.
Hopefully it won’t be too serious, but you’d have to think he’s out of contention now for at least the first Test against England.
The Force hit back just four minutes after Hodge’s try with a superb effort by Luke Morahan, who also scored in the second half.
The winger leapt above the Rebels to gather a kick down-field by five-eighth Peter Grant.
He chipped ahead, then managed to collect the ball and dive across in the corner.
That try gave the Force an 8-7 lead, which Hodge reclaimed for his side through a penalty.
Naivalu crossed for his first two minutes into the second half but again the Force responded as they drove the ball from a line-out before hooker Harry Scoble scrambled across.
Hard-running lock Lopeti Timani and Naivalu, who chimed in with his second try, blew out the lead to 27-15 before Morahan’s late effort.
On balance, the Rebels created more play than the Force and deserved the win. Lopeti Timani was lively, Stirzaker also helped open the game up by running more.
But the biggest difference was danger man Sefanaia Naivalu, who always looked damgerous on the ball.
For the Force, Adam Coleman continued his good from, and Chris Alcock proved a worthy replacement for Matt Hodgson. Luke Morahan was productive and Dane Haylett-Petty looked his usual, tidy self.
The Rebels will be happy with the win, but this match only serves to illustrate the gulf between the competition heavyweights, and the also rans.
The Rebels trail the front-running Brumbies and Waratahs by seven points in the Australian conference.
Final score
Rebels 27
Force 22
With AAP.
Celtic334
Guest
Good to see the force score some points. I think the loss of hodgson has a reason for this. Firstly I'd like to say he is a great player in what he does, but I see a lot of similarities to him and the way the waratahs used to play under Phil waughs captaincy. Both players grit and negative style of play has a huge bearing on the teams mindset. Another similarity is, for those who watch nrl, Paul gallen and the sharks. Their influence and say on the team mindset brings about their respective teams playing to their individual strengths. Once again just want to point out hodgson is a great player and seems to be a nice bloke, just a change of direction could lead to some positive direction.
PeterK
Roar Guru
ej - Mumm has had 1 good game this year and 1 good game last year so why does he get picked all the time?
PeterK
Roar Guru
besides which wallabies would have received a scrum in the scottish half, could have scored a try any way or got a penalty.
PeterK
Roar Guru
I believe you have to select Carter in the squad as a back up to Simmons. When Simmons is off the field the lineout is a shambles. Both Horwill and Mumm have been tried neither make it work. So no Carter in the team but a must in the squad. I see zero reason for Mumm being selected. L Timani and L Jones well ahead of him in whatever role he is chosen for. Skelton I do see why he is chosen however with Coleman and Arnold providing good muscle and being lineout options he is not needed. L Timani as better choice than him. I would also have L Timani ahead of Palu. It seems Cheika does not change first impressions much. Timani trained poorly and was lazy at the tahs so he was let go. He turned that around AND fixed his handling problems of last year. Catches in the lineout now too.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I like how one wrong decision is the only refereeing call anyone can notice from that game. As though the Scots didn't get more than a couple of favourable calls at other points in the game...
PiratesRugby
Guest
How does Chieka keep picking Skelton, Mumm and Carter? Are those three giving him so much that Timani can't get a look in? Three low energy players if you asked me. I'm certainly glad he's playing for the Rebels this year.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Why not try and trust your own judgment instead of someone else's? In addition Cheika would have been knocked out by Scotland except for a manifestly wrong decision by Joubert, and was comfortably seen off in the final. He's a reasonably good coach, but not a master coach who should be trusted uncritically.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
To be fair EJ, this isn't an isolated game. He's been a standout over the last 5-6 rounds, high work rate, low mistake rate whilst playing big minutes.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I think I'll trust Cheika's judgement. Last year it was all about Cheika not selecting Jack D. Now it seems he wasn't so wrong there either. If Timani keeps performing he'll get there. It's up to him to continue to put in games like today.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Both Timanis in a team would bulk up a pack quite well. I thought that from the beginning. L Timani could have provided a similar enough replacement for his brother as a grunt lock so long as there was a good jumping 6 or 8 in the team.
PiratesRugby
Guest
I thought Timani was MOTM. Hit the line hard and did the dirty work in tight for all 80 minutes. His dad's obviously not a big wig with the ARU so he misses out on the national squad again. Jeez Chieks, would it kill you to give the kid a run? I feel sorry for Jack D who played like an 18 year old in his first game. It's been 2 years now and he really should be standing up. The team carries him. Great to see the Rebels win but that try from the Force got even the Rebels fans on our feet. Beautiful rugby from the restart all the way to the try. Fair play Western Force. Try of the year.
PeterK
Roar Guru
This game highlighted some stunning omissions. Timani a very physical effective game in tight. Cheika states he wants players who like the contact, the physicality yet he chooses Mumm over Timani. I get Mumm is there to call lineouts as well but both Fardy and Coleman can do if Simmons goes off. Naivalu showed his genuine pace and it is a must he gets a look in on the spring tour when he is eligible. Hodge showed a lot of class and talent and yes also his in.experience. What better way to hone Hodge than to include him in the squad and then on the spring tour or next year make the 23. He should replace Harris with Harris out injured