The Rebels will be looking to bounce back from their last start loss to the Waratahs when they host the Sharks tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm AEDT.
The Melbourne Rebels gave up a 17-point lead last start when they were soundly beaten by a rampant NSW Waratahs outfit who turned in their best second-half performance in some time to run away with the game.
Adding pain to Wessels’ side, was the loss of Dane Haylett-Petty, who left the game early after being knocked out.
Jack Maddocks starts at fullback, and makes up a third of an enigmatic back three. Marika Koroibete was impressive on return last week, whilst Sefa Naivalu is one of the improving players in the Australian Rugby scene.
Will Genia is a key player for the Rebels, and his combination with loose forwards Amanaki Mafi, Fa’ainga and Angus Cottrell has been key to the Rebels impressive gain line stats this season.
The Sharks, on the other hand, are one of the unknown packages of the competition. On paper, their talent through players 1-23 is as good as any other.
However, that hasn’t quite translated on field yet. Their loss to the Brumbies last week was error-riddled and uninspiring, and they’ll be desperate to post their second win of the season against a wounded Rebels.
Where the game will be won:
The Sharks really aren’t that bad, and they will provide a tough contest for the Rebels tonight. I think it’ll be very close, and if the Rebels forwards don’t turn up to play – they could get a swift one pulled on them.
Sharks by 5
Join The Roar for live scores of the match, starting from 7:45pm AEDT.
Gepetto
Guest
Yeah; he recruited Will Genia
RahRah
Roar Rookie
Loved watching Billy Meakes play last night, best performance from an Aussie 12 in the comp so far. Beale Fullback, Isreal on the wing - Billy at 12?
Ken Catchpole’s Other Leg
Guest
I thought the same Biltong. Rebels lucky with that maul try. However, the obstruction call on Hodge later was 50/50 I thought. Sharks did not get rub of the green last night.
Uncle Eric
Guest
'Nothing wrong with them'? Boring, repetitive, lacking insight, replete with verbal histrionics and crap, childish humour. It's bad enough paying bloody Foxtel to be able to watch the rugby without having to listen to the excruciating dribble from the commentators. Sounded like a bunch of schoolkids in truth. The volume quickly went down, which detracts from the experience because you can't hear the officials. Fox should really provide and officials only feed as an option.
?
Ex force fan
Guest
NV absolute beautiful Adrikaans. If you put the word "lekker" in front of the Afrikaans word, you may even qualify for visa soon.
Harry Jones
Expert
The departure of Wessels, Ackermann, and White are sort of the INTENDED side-effects of the player quota. (Coaches’ staffs must also meet quota).
Harry Jones
Expert
Well played, Rebellious Rebels. Enjoyed Maloney’s schtick. These Sharks look like they cannot swim. Talent wasted.
It is what it is mate.
Kiwikrs
Guest
You have very low expectations then
Fionn
Guest
It's deeply sad when you put it like that, Biltong, but it makes sense. I'm sorry.
Cynical Play
Guest
Fawkin shocking mixture of locker room babble and biased opinions and insider gossip. It’s more than embarrassing it’s disgraceful
Lara
Guest
The commentary was pretty bad.....all they needed was Marto and you would have had a trifecta.
Why would he coach in a country where there are constraints? In Oz he has the freedom to select who he wants.
Fionn
Guest
Hmmm, I remember when he signed with the Rebels he made some comment that suggested to me that he yearned to coach in South Africa also, so I wouldn't give up hope. Anyway, he's doing a fantastic job with the Rebels. I only hope that Australian rugby makes him feel as welcome as possible, so that he wants to stay and coach here.
He won't come to SA. His future is bright in OZ. No reason to come back
Fionn
Guest
I wonder, Biltong, if his longterm coaching interests lie with Australia or South Africa, the Wallabies or the Springboks?
Fionn
Guest
'and who is actually better than Mafi in SR overall?' Good question. I have been wondering that myself actually. I think that Mafi, Retallick, Marx and Barrett are the best, and I think there are some strong arguments for Mafi being number one. If Mafi was a line out option then I would say he would have to be the clear number one. Imagine the Wallabies' back-row if Mafi was eligible... Oh, it would be divine.
I pluck up the courage every now and then, only to re affirm my disappointment. It is really tough to be positive.
Drongo
Guest
There was nothing wrong with them.