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Round 1 is in the books, but it’s the first time we see the Australian franchises battle this season when the Melbourne Rebels host the Queensland Reds in the latte city tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 7:45pm AEDT.
Here we go folks!
It’s been a long time coming, but finally Super Rugby is back on our shores for another season. While 2017 was less than ideal on the field for the Australian franchises, the cutting of the Western Force from the Super competition means all other teams have benefitted from some decent offseason talent acquisition – not least the Melbourne Rebels.
With a number of Western Force players moving to Melbourne for season 2018, as well as coach Dave Wessels, the Rebels look a strong outfit on paper.
Indeed, they have nine starters tonight with Wallabies experience. The Reds have coach Brad Thorn at their disposal, and have stuck largely with their young players who finished 2017 in decent shape.
So… to tonight’s fixture:
The Rebels will start stronger on paper. Dane Haylett-Petty and new skipper Adam Coleman are imperious, whilst halfback Will Genia and inside centre Reece Hodge will look to rudder their sides attacking plays.
Their bench is strong, too, with names like Ross Haylett-Petty, Billy Meakes and Michael Ruru likely to play the last 20 minutes on Aami Park tonight.
For the Reds, Brad Thorn made headlines when he dropped Quade Cooper to club rugby, replacing him with journeyman Jono Lance.
Scott Higginbotham at number eight was the Reds best last season, and has been handed the reigns of what is still a young roster for 2018. Their centres are outstanding, and a lot of their go forward will come through Duncan Paia’aua and Samu Kerevi.
All eyes will also be on their front row, with the much improved Taniela Tupou partnering with James Slipper and debutant Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who has been rewarded for his outstanding NRC season with the NSW Country Eagles.
Where the game will be won
Set Piece. The Reds have a better scrum for mine, and they will look to new recruit Paenga-Amosa to control the rolling maul off lineouts as he did beautifully in the NRC this season. If the Rebels can nullify this threat, they have more weapons in their outside backs to do damage – particularly as the game wears on and players feel the effects of the first proper hit out of the season.
Prediction
It’s tough to call the first game of any season, not least with two fairly new-look rosters. I think the Rebels’ experience will just shade a keen Reds side.
Rebels by 8
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm AEDT.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.