It may have taken more than 1000 days but it was worth the wait for the Melbourne Rebels as they stopped the Blues 20-10 in Auckland to keep their Super Rugby finals hopes on track.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Blues 10
Rebels 20
Both the Blues and Rebels are looking to tack up a few wins when they go head to head at Eden Park. Join The Roar for live scores and blog from 3:15pm (AEST).
The Auckland side find themselves in the dismal position of 14th, 13 points behind their opponents, but are still heavy favourites.
The Melburnians narrowly hold onto eighth place – only two competition points above the Sharks – but a win would put them above the Jaguares, on 34.
The Blues have been hopelessly outclassed in their New Zealand derbies, but are three from six in international fixtures, their wins coming against the Lions, Waratahs and Sunwolves.
The Rebels are one from six in inter-conference games, beating the Sharks at home, but will take a huge boost leading in as both Rieko Ioane and potentially Sonny Bill Williams have been rested and ruled out, respectively.
In saying that, the Aucklanders still field a strong side, with Michael Collins returning, Matt Moulds replacing James Parsons, and Terence Hepetema in for SBW.
Jermaine Ainsley slides in for Sam Talakai at tighthead, but otherwise no changes for the Rebels starting XV that crushed the Sunwolves last Friday.
The Blues could drop within range of the Sunwolves with a loss, if the Japanese win their third from four in Canberra tomorrow, so they will be out to consolidate their spot for over the International weekends.
Prediction
Expect the Aucklanders to win, but not by much given their key outs and the Rebels’ strong 15.
Blues by 5.
Join The Roar for live scores and blog from 3:15pm (AEST).
taylorman
Roar Guru
Oh the old get help syndrome. Back to google for you. No passion for the game. Just bait anyone in the opposite direction with an opinion. Clown.
richard
Guest
Danny,Tana is polynesian,so therefore identifies with the culture.This also makes him popular with the players. I am going with that as I can't think of any other reason why he is still in the job.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Seriously, try to get some help mate. There is a chance for you if you just reach out and ask for professional assistance. And breathe. Always breathe.
taylorman
Roar Guru
You make a habit of feasting on the poor parts of nz rugby where there are few. Yesterday you tried to rehaul kiwis, perhaps thinking there were actually some out there that hadnt heard your claims, into the ABs arent the most winning side, ready to haul out your little side mission once again. Sad as.
tamaolevao
Guest
Have to agree with you mark ............ Man are all these board members fair representation of the blues grass roots rugby community ? ....... Biggest Pacific island community yet who’s representing them at a Auckland blues board level? This is the old boys Auckland rugby network here who have done what exactly on the field for Auckland rugby at any level?.......... All the blame is on tana now ok so he’s the scapegoat which is typical behaviour of a bunch of business men who have planned this from the start So much Auckland talent gone to play overseas or for other Provence’s it’s just a shame for the dynasty they’ve established over many years .... Sack the lot
Slat
Guest
??????
Slat
Guest
No they have no feeling for the game. Anyone can read from a script darling?
Danny
Roar Pro
Credit to the Rebels, and not wanting to distract from that - but I want to know who, what, where, how and why Tana was renewed for next season. Perhaps because someone saw disaster coming and realised if he wasn't reappointed prematurely he'd be boxed in and couldn't do it later in the season. Seven losses at Eden Park in a row is a disgrace. That the coach has survived is a scandal. Sure the kiwi derbies have been tough but as Tana sat down to plan the season he would and should have pencilled tonight in as a w. Now they're stuck with him unless he does the right thing and falls on his sword. Another season of this next year and there'll be riots on Queen St.
Jameswm
Guest
I thought Philip, Fainga’a, Ruru, Hodge, Meakes, English, Maddocks, and DHP all good. Rangi not bad. And of course Madison great.
StuM
Guest
Are you aware that, you have an unusual, habit of using, lots of commas in wrong, places and as, a result I find it difficult to understand what, you're saying in a lot, of your posts?
Tom English
Roar Guru
hehe, yeah cheers bro
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Have found someone to talk with about your issues yet T-man? Those voices in your head gotta be scary to live with. I worry about you mate.
Taylorman
Guest
We know theyre useless Swede. Do you need to go on and on about it. Geez youre an annoying little nothing.
Pavid Docock
Guest
I would speculate that Will Genia would have played against the Blues if he wasn't returning from injury. Coleman, Hodge, Haylett-Petty, Maddocks, and Koroibete all played despite being in Cheika's squad. As did Uelese, who seems to have picked up a bad looking injury. I'll admit that my comment regarding resting players was a little hyperbolic. To be honest, I don't care that much if Wallabies players are rested or not. I actually enjoy the opportunities given to younger players. But don't you want your best players to have match fitness and form to take into internationals?
Tom English
Roar Guru
Had to put that in. If not for the Waratahs win the other week, that's all we would be talking about?
Arthur Uden
Guest
Old charlie, with a wooden leg who lives down the road just called me. Tana's been on the phone to him a 1/2 hr ago, How's he placed for next weekend?. Charlie told Tana he will wait for a better offer.
Dean
Guest
YES????????
tsuru
Roar Rookie
And I thought some of the Oz comments on here were too over-the-top when criticizing our teams!
Peter
Guest
Mark, what commentary are you talking about? It can't be Tom English's blog here.
Bing
Guest
It was great to have a ref who played it straight down the middle tonight.