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The Rebels are out to get their finals chances back on track when they host the Crusaders in Melbourne. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:45pm (AEST).
It’s going to be a tough day at the office for the home side.
Looking at the overall competition ladder, it’s first versus seventh, so should arguably be competitive. But the reality is that there is a big gap between the two.
The Rebels have been on a downward spiral recently, losing their past four games, including a bad slip against the Jaguares. The hope of the opening weeks of the competition have been replaced slowly but surely with frustration from fans.
If Melbourne are going to get their fans excited again, then a couple of key players need good games. Unsurprisingly, all eyes and hopes will be on Will Genia – the returning halfback has the ability to dominate teams and the Rebels need him at his best
Also important is going to be how competitive Colby Fainga’a can be at the breakdown. If the scavenger can slow down Crusaders ball and maybe even steal the odd one, then his side might stop the potent Kiwi back line from getting fast ball in space.
For the Crusaders, coach Scott Robertson has made seven changes to the team that won in Canberra a few days ago. Perhaps most exciting is the return to flyhalf Richie Mo’unga. Having had four plates and four screws inserted in his jaw in early March, he’ll be keen to impress in his first game back.
The visitors have built momentum, but they can’t afford to falter, at just one point ahead of the Hurricanes and five clear of the Highlanders – but both those sides have a game in hand. A good win here will put pressure on the chasing pack.
Prediction
Hopefully the Rebels put up more resistance than the Brumbies did last week but, even if they do, it’ll be another win for the Kiwis on Aussie soil.
Crusaders to win by 18.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm (AEST).
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.