The Melbourne Rebels’ start to the season has gotten worse, copping a massive 65-point caning from the Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon.
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Final score
Hurricanes 71
Rebels 6
The defending Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes, host the Rebels in Wellington. Join The Roar from 3:15pm (AEDT) for all the action.
The Rebels kicked off their season in terrible fashion last week, going down to the Blues 56-18 at home.
The Melburnians won’t be getting a reprieve either, jumping out of the frying pan and straight into the fire with one of the most daunting trips in rugby.
As for the Canes, they ran rampant over a hapless Sunwolves side last week to start their title defence in emphatic fashion. The Kiwis piled on 13 tries to score 83 of the 100 total points, in what was a try-scoring showcase in Japan.
The Hurricanes average over 40 points a game against the Rebels in their last four fixtures, and that number jumps to over 50 when at home in the two side’s short history together.
Team news
For the Rebels, former NRL star Marika Koroibete will make his first Super Rugby appearance, having been named on the wing. Hooker James Hanson and centre Mitch Inman have also been brought into the starting XV, having got over hip and hamstring injuries respectively.
After concussion scares during last week’s loss, skipper Nic Stirzaker has retained his place at halfback.
On the other side of the park, Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has made three massive changes, with All Blacks Dane Coles, Beauden Barrett and Nehe Milner-Skudder brought into the starting line-up.
Both Barrett and Coles came off the bench against the Sunwolves, but have been pushed back into their regular roles, while Milner-Skudder returns for the first time in a year thanks to a shoulder injury last season and a knee niggle that kept him out last week.
Otere Black, Jordie Barrett and Ricky Riccitelli will be pushed to the bench to make room for the additions, while Reed Prinsep starts at the back of the scrum ahead of Blade Thomson, who is likely to go under the knife for a dislocated shoulder suffered last week.
Prediction
It’s really hard to see the Rebels not getting walked over here.
They’ll be better prepared and stronger across the park than last week, but the Hurricanes away from home is just a mountain to climb for any side, and the defending champs look dominant as ever.
Hurricanes to win by 30
R2D2
Guest
Just saw the replay yesterday, the Canes just gave the Rebels a "donkey kick" from close range....11 of them.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
By washing them down with 11 DBs :) or being a Wellington boy perhaps Lion Brown... unless he has got all sophistocated like and drinks those boutiqueee things...
buddy boy
Guest
sanzar could make this compition way better , just dump all the kiwi teams
Ian T
Guest
Hahahaha, you call Hurricanes fat bastards, yet Im arrogant!! Its more a sign of boredom - expected a good game of rugby, got an obliteration of a hapless dabble.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Is this another arrogant Kiwi thingy comment? :)
Machooka
Roar Guru
It's a Donald Trump thingy I picked-up a little while ago :)
Machooka
Roar Guru
Ha! My comment appears to be awaiting moderation... but you can still reply?
Machooka
Roar Guru
You could have just said plenty of points Connor... thanks for the call. Although your points predictions need some revision :)
Machooka
Roar Guru
How do race home after consuming 11 meat pies!?! You are most definitely the marathon man Diggeriwi :)
Ian T
Guest
Their own worst enemy
Connor Bennett
Editor
I thought I should try not to overdo it and stick with something a bit nicer like 30 or 40 points... guess I was a bit off in the end!!
Ian T
Guest
Good thing for Rebels, they are not trim, fit and rearing to go!!
Connor Bennett
Editor
The Hurricanes have now scored 154 points from just two games!! On the flipside, the Rebels horror start to the season continues, having conceded 127 points from their first two games.
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Well done to the 'Canes, fighting back from 6 points down!
Machooka
Roar Guru
Well, I hope Diggeriwi is satisfied... and like damn if he ain't satisfied after consuming 11 meat pies when will he ever be!?! His 'Canes are just a bunch of fat greedy b@$tards :) Thanks for the call Connor... although you need to scrub-up on your margin predictions. Otherwise a good call considering. Now... if only the 'Canes could find a reliable goal kicker!
Connor Bennett
Editor
Robert
Guest
Your right played for Australia A, apparently he was going to be unleashed onto the canes this week
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME The whistle blows and it's the sweet sound of mercy for the Rebels who have been completely outclassed and outplayed today. Five tries in the first half and six in the second saw the Canes pile on 71 points against a hapless Rebels defence that gradually got worse and worse as the game went on. Nehe Milner-Skudder put on 3 tries in his Super Rugby return after more than a year away from the game. Hurricanes – 71 Rebels – 6
taylorman
Roar Guru
And Blues? ?
Highlander
Guest
Canes midfield press defence is very impressive DC, actually all NZ teams using it so far, but Canes would be the quickest, Rebels hammered behind the line all night