After blowing a second successive Super Rugby AU victory, Melbourne coach Dave Wessels has declared his team’s failure to close out games “unacceptable”.
A week after missing a post-80 minute kick to beat the Queensland Reds and falling to a 23-21 loss, the Rebels suffered more heart-break against the Brumbies on Saturday night in Canberra.
Reserve halfback Ryan Lonergan booted the biggest kick of his career, literally and figuratively, with a 60m special from the sideline in the 83rd minute for the home side to snaffle a 27-24 victory.
There was plenty to like about the Rebels – their intensity at the breakdown put the Brumbies on the back foot, with the frustration evident in their starting halfback, Wallabies veteran Nic White.
But their failure to convert serious pressure into a try, and faltering finish as they gave up successive penalties left Wessels seething.
“I think we can be tougher on each other than we have been – we dominated most parts of that game and we should have won,” Wessels said.
“It’s not acceptable – we’ve got to figure out why and we’ve got to change it.
“We’re going to attack it in the right way and take the next step this week.”
Skipper Matt To’omua, who was responsible for all of his team’s points with eight penalties from eight attempts, couldn’t help but applaud the winning kick from the rookie Brumbies No.9.
He was more upbeat than Wessels.
“It was pretty clutch from Ryan – you’ve got to tip your hat to that, it’s a fair old kick but the game is longer than that last kick,” To’omua said.
‘I’m pretty disappointed as a leader of the team not to close that out but there’s plenty to like so the key for us is to take the positives and the lessons.
“We’re not far away and once we get the momentum and get back to stadium, our home, our fans, we’ll be hard to beat.”
The Rebels have flown to Perth to meet the Western Force, who banked their first Super Rugby win since 2017 with Friday night’s victory over the NSW Waratahs.
piru
Roar Rookie
Going to be interesting game Friday, the Force aren't exactly known for their ability to hold on for a victory either.
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
Could have. But didn't. They need to score tries.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
You're right Bgag. I'd be surprised if they didn't all play the Reds like that. I just wonder if that is the Rebs/Wessels only game plan?
Bleedsgreenand gold
Roar Rookie
BF, as a Reds supporter, I think that game plan was perfect for the Reds. Their (the Reds) Achilles heel is that they cough up too much ball too cheaply when backing themselves with their talented back line.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Against the Reds that was absolutely their plan. But against the brumbies they attacked a lot. Koroibete alone had 2 line breaks, 12 defenders beaten and over 100m. The Rebels had 11 line breaks to the Brumbies 3. But when they had a kickable penalty on offer they took it.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
G'day TWAS. I don't see much of the Rebs but after the Reds opener, do they play too much SA rugby in that they go for position and hope for penalties and/or mistakes? We know they do well from penalties... but it seems the other sides aren't making enough mistakes for the Rebs to profit from. It certainly didn't look to me as though they were trying to set up attacking/scoring opportunities for themselves from set play at Lang Park. Or is it just me?
MO
Guest
Maybe you're right. He's had a long run as Head Coach at the Force and now the Rebels and his teams lack consistency. Blowing important games at the back end of an otherwise good season. Possibly too nice a guy to be the big boss? He seems very empathetic. No disgrace is having a cracking and being a very good assistant coach - and possibly more time as an assistant and he could bridge the gap and develop into a head coach. He is still pretty young and he's been the boss for a long time.
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
Stopped being a contest for me when the Rebels tight head was concussed - he was having a massive game. I hope he pulls up ok and is able to rejoin his team mates rather swiftly.
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
Yeah... somehow I doubt anyone involved in coaching at the Rebels or the Wallabies will agree with you that Toomua was the reason the Rebels lost those games. Rebels deeply unlucky to come away with two losses. Could have also, justifiably, come away with two wins from two.
Gav
Guest
Feel sorry for Dave he has a 10 that cannot run or playmake. He is just a distubutor ot what i like to call them a " shoveller ". Until he can get his hands on a class 10 to unlock that backline he will continue to lose games.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
As a Rebels fan I’ve been more impressed from this 0-2 start given the circumstances than I was with the performance as a whole over 2018-2019. With the issues around being in the road, game day travel to Suncorp and injuries, the bonus point losses are a good result. My biggest concern is that possibly Wessels isn’t capable of being a good coach. He can make a plucky group of underdogs play above their talent, but can’t maximise a decent group.