The Melbourne Rebels hosts the Brumbies at AAMI Park. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:45pm (AEDT).
This game will be a big test for Brumbies coach Dan McKellar. His first game in charge was an underwhelming display against the dangerous Sunwolves, although the ACT side finished the game with a reassuring win.
Last week, they lost to the Reds, who were previously trounced by the Rebels by 26 points.
As for The Rebels, they are on a two-game, high-scoring winning streak.
Since his introduction as head coach of a Super Rugby franchise last year, it’s been clear David Wessels is no ordinary coach. He delivered a marked improvement in the Western Force’s form, which in turn galvanised many stakeholders’ support.
Wessels have since moved to Rebels, where the Victorians hope he can deliver a big improvement to the Rugby Australia-backed team.
However, his side’s first win came against a badly disciplined Queensland team, with their second against an injury-ravaged team. This week, they will face an angry and bruised Brumbies who will play for pride, survival and reputation.
Melbourne captain Adam Coleman is absent, but on-field commander Will Genia will continue to run proceedings. He will, however, be challenged by Joe Powell, who is also in form.
The backrow battle will be one to watch, with both teams fielding top-shelf players such as Isi Naisarani, Amanaki Mafi and Lolo Fakaosilea. David Pocock is not expected to return for another two months.
Prediction
Dan McKellar and his team will be the hungrier team. If they can learn their lessons from last week, they will deliver an unusual upset win.
Baz
Guest
Ok so the Brumbies got smashed. Are they exceptionally bad or are the Rebels that good. The Brumbies were better than last week, despite the score line, but somethings really stood out in this game. The game was close until Hawera came on. He is just not up to it. I would prefer an exhausted Christian L... than a fresh Hawera. Joe Powell also needs to play the whole game. Godwin is also a passenger and Kurandrani is playing the physical game that earnt him a wallabies spot. Speight had a better game and gave his all. The two Arnolds at lock didn't work. They lacked mobility and intensity and were off their feet too often and for too long. It was a better performance by the Brums but coach needs to sort the halves out. We won't know how good the Rebels are until they play some Kiwi opposition. I like the look of their defense. Line speed is great and looks suspiciously like a Kiwi team. Either way it takes momentum from the opposition and generates turn overs, errors and kicking to relieve pressure. Vessels is a far better coach than cricketer. Oh, and Pocock may as well stay where he is. He won't be back in time to make a difference.
James P
Guest
6 Force in the starting 15. 8 Rebels and 1 Genia 5 Force on the bench, 2 Rebels and Talakai. You can't count Coleman as an additional Force as then Hardwick would have been dropped. Wouldn't be surprised to see Colby come in for Cottrell and Koroibete come in for um ... someone ...
Jumbo
Guest
Does your spouse abuse you? Classact.
riddler
Guest
saw first ten minutes... had to get back to work.. congrats to the rebels.. i would have loved for the reds to have played against the rebels with 15.. i do think we could have won.. mckellar seems to have his work cut for himself.. poey will be a big help.. cll, like lance, had a few people on here making rave reviews about them based on some headlines from their os stint.. they were solid over here.. cll was kicking badly and ulster took it off him.. they also pulled him around the 50min mark a lot.. which is never a good sign for a 10.. lance was solid in a very no frills team battling it out in the relegation zone.. a bit of reality is being restored in regards to these two players.. would love for them to be better but sometimes it is what it is.. congrats again to the rebels and their fans.. 3 out of 3 to start the season with bp is superb!
Tim Rogers
Roar Rookie
Damn auto correct Ruru
riddler
Guest
why all this champ.. buddy stuff..?? like 5 year olds..
Tim Rogers
Roar Rookie
I look at how well the rebels have played and welll done to them, but in general working off the Force momentum from last year and a coach who has been in general able to keep a very good squad. As a fan - what could have been has turned into will never be and that hurt because a loyal fan I did the hard yards at the Force only to Robbed of our potential to shine in SR this year. Well done to rural, Hardwick for that break away try. Crowd is still very disappointing.
Stu B
Guest
After watching the Highlanders/Stormers game the Rebels /Brumbies was not such a great spectacle but the crowd was excited and vocal the whole 1800 of them, not a bad turnout for a town of 4.5 million.
Ex force fan
Guest
There were also a couple of Force players in the Brumbies side. Just wish Hardwick, Ruru and Meakes can play a full game some day. What a pitty that we couldn't see the Force play this year!
Gepetto
Guest
Timani should be cited for the high tackle / shoulder to the head to Sam Carter.
Zulu
Roar Rookie
Your tag says it all champ, not! ?
Malo
Guest
I’m from Sydney backed the rebels 13plus. The kiwi teams are too good.
ClassAct
Guest
So Malo, Did you know that Kiwis enjoy one of the highest rates of spousal abuse in the world? How was your upbringing ?
ozinsa
Guest
Kiwi rugby teams are rubbish. Smith can’t play. Random stupid negative comments are fun.
Rugby101
Guest
All players did well, no argument. And I not a Force Fan, don't live there, not a member, never been to one of their games. But this has a Force print all over it.
Malo
Guest
The Brumbies are a basket case. Australia are in deep trouble, the rebels arent special as will be shown against Nz teams.
ols
Roar Pro
Shall we include coaching staff?
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
I understand it hurts watching this as a Force-fan, but give some credit to Rebels boys.
Rugby101
Guest
Actually I forgot Cottrell so 11 and would have been 12 with Coleman, plus you don't count Genia and Talakai. So yeah, The Force did very well!!
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
10 is more than 13? ;)