Jordie Barrett again. Last year it was Bledisloe heartbreak for the Wallabies, this time it was Super Rugby disappointment as Barrett scored out wide to seal another dramatic victory in Melbourne.
It was only a few years ago he was ridiculously booted out of the Melbourne Cricket Ground for skolling a beer as he watched the Black Caps play Australia. After his superb display across the road at AAMI Park, he should join them for another beer.
The outstanding back’s try in the 78th minute sealed the Hurricanes’ 39-33 victory over the fast-finishing Rebels, who were gallant and brave but ultimately didn’t have the class to snatch a famous victory over their trans-Tasman rivals.
“Melbourne’s been a good place for me and long may it continue,” he said.
After blowing countless first half chances, including on the stroke of half-time to go into the sheds trailing 24-7, the Rebels came to life in the second half.
Perhaps it was the slit throat gesture from Ardie Savea after the Hurricanes captain was shown a yellow card, but after the “unsportsmanlike” gesture whipped the crowd into a frenzy the Rebels looked a different side in the second half.
Jordie Barrett once again won his side another match in Melbourne. Photo: by Kelly Defina/Getty Images
But on the back of a much-improved display from the bench, where the Rebels generated quick ball off the thunderous Pone Fa’amausili and Richard Hardwick came into his own, the home side closed the margin to 33-34 with less than five minutes to play.
Then that man was once again on the spot as some great counter-attacking rugby saw Barrett score out wide. He missed the conversion to keep the game alive, but after a clumsy error undid Hardwick’s excellence at the breakdown the Hurricanes survived to leave Australia with another victory under their belts.
“If I did my job and kicked that conversion I would have been able to breathe a bit more easily in that last 30 seconds, but a good defensive set got us home,” Barrett said.
Hardwick was the Rebels’ best while centre Stacey Ili straightened the attack well. Fullback Joe Pincus looked comfortable on debut, too.
The Rebels were proud but disappointed, having lost their second straight match by a converted try or less after blowing a big lead against the Western Force in the opening round of the competition.
“I’m so proud of this group and I felt that was huge for us,” Rebels coach Kevin Foote said.
“It’s something we’ve been speaking about for a long time as a club and I couldn’t be prouder at the moment.”
Brad Wilkin added: “It still hurts that we lost because we’re not here to lose games. But to echo’s Kevin’s sentiments, we showed a lot of fight which is probably the biggest thing that I’m proud of as captain. If we can show that fight week-in, week-out we’ll be going in the right direction.”
Richard Hardwick scored two late tries for the Rebels but it wasn’t enough. Photo: by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
After Wilkin opened the scoring in the third minute with some strong play in tight, the Rebels missed the chance to extend their early lead when they turned it over on the Hurricanes’ line.
The error proved costly as the Hurricanes responded by scoring 24 unanswered points.
Unable to slow the Hurricanes’ quick ball and being well-beaten at the scrum, the visitors scored twice through captain Ardie Savea in the first half-hour before Joshua Moorby scored their third off the back of some great work at the back of the scrum.
The match exploded on the stroke of half-time when an all-in brawl erupted after Dane Coles’ hands found their way around Josh Canham’s neck.
Rebels playmaker was slung to the ground by Savea, which ultimately saw him yellow carded.
But it was then that the pressure cooker rose as Savea, having been shown a yellow card, delivered Rebels halfback a slit throat gesture as he made his way off the field.
Savea didn’t receive any further punish, but his “brain explosion” saw the widely respected player come under heat from the Rebels, former players and a fired up Melbourne crowd.
“I was just meaning, when I come on, I’m going to try smash you,” he said.
“But I understand that can be taken in the wrong way and I apologised to the player I did it to as well after the game.
“It’s just the heat of the moment. It’s a warrior game, but I’ve got to lead by example being the skip. I got that wrong, but it’s something I can keep learning and growing from.”
Foote, meanwhile, said he didn’t want to see his team treated with disdain like they were on their home turf.
“I didn’t see that [the incident], but just when Coles grabbed Canham’s headgear it all started,” Foote said.
“I made it very clear to our guys that they don’t come to our house and we’re not going to tolerate that.”
The Hurricanes lost another player soon after as replacement prop Tevita Mafileo had his yellow card upgraded to a red for an illegal cleanout, which saw Hardwick’s head stuck with a tucked arm.
The Rebels pounced, as Lachie Anderson touched down brilliantly from a Gordon kick before the playmaker went coast to coast after picking up a loose ball to score.
A penalty to Barrett steamed the bleeding before flyer Salesi Rayasi scored.
Two quick tries to Hardwick gave the Rebels hope of pulling off an upset but Barrett’s well-taken try sealed the deal for the Hurricanes.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
I guess the ref only wants to hand out a card for something really egregious. That's what he and the touchies saw at the time.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
How many times have we seen others come in and do exactly that, without penalty Loosey?
bigtree.smallaxe
Roar Rookie
Ardie is a very physical (exceptionally so) player but is definitely no thug. He’s a great leader and doesn’t often get into the off the ball stuff. He apologised and will be sanctioned for his efforts. What’s this nonsense about “privileged culture”? His work ethic is hard to beat.
bigtree.smallaxe
Roar Rookie
I can’t ever remember seeing a yellow card for something like that but agree that it shouldn’t be part of the game.
Putz19
Roar Rookie
Very true about the Rebels leaving points on the pitch. However it could be said if the Hurricanes didn’t receive the red card and play 40mins with 14 players in the second half, then they would have continued on from the 24-7 HT lead.
Paul
Roar Rookie
I thought it was a cracker of a game and that Carter Gordon took a big step up. Hardwick was immense and super pleased with the physicality from the Rebels. Where was that spirit a week ago?? I think Savea’s throat slitting gesture was born of frustration not malice. He owned it and apologised. Not sure its fair to say the Hurricanes got out of jail cos the Rebels missed a couple of crucial moments. Two bonus point losses and small points differential haven’t hurt their overall campaign but geez I hope they can turn that momentum for tonight into a win. EDIT 1240am Sunday morning. “Savea is alleged to have contravened Law 9.27: A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship, during the match between the Rebels and Hurricanes at AAMI Park in Melbourne on 3 March 2023. Upon further review of the match footage, the Citing Commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the Red Card threshold for foul play. The Case is to be considered in the first instance by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee which will take place on Monday 6 March 2023, 6pm(AEDT), 8pm(NZDT) via video-conference.”
Brian
Guest
Give it up Bobby. You're obviously dealing with blind kiwi supporters. Our men can do no wrong!
Brian
Guest
Hilarious kiwi support for a thug. Someone who, according to his privileged culture, allows him to threaten the life of a rival. Get out and stay out. Simple.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
The Rebs played well ! No poseurs no shirkers ! Don’t get too excited about Ardie . It’s part of one Haka we can do without .
Chivas
Roar Rookie
You are a funny wee fellow. Now you want to tell me what to say and think because it will give me credibiility in your eyes. PLEASE READ You said the game will be remembered for it, not that only the incident will be remembered... now you are saying you can't remember a game where such an incident occurred.. Make ypur mind up. Out of curiousity did you come out sayimg it was a grubby dog act which should have Quade banned or can't you remember that either?
Gus007
Roar Rookie
How shocking were the Rebel’s 9&10… when are the shows ponies like those 2 that cost the Rebels dearly get told don’t bother turning up ! When you have 10-12 guys breaking a gut & then you have 2 guys like 9&10 going … look at me look at me ! with aimless kicking making poor option decisions and just giving the game to the Canes … shocking 10 get a hair cut for starters
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yeah I don't know why he was carded either !
Bobby
Roar Rookie
So in 10 years time you'll remember that Hardwick played well in 2023 Magic Round. Get serious! Be honest at least. It will give you some credibility . Personally I admit that I don't recall the game in which Quade did the cheap and grubby thing to Rotchie. But I remember the incident, don't you ?
CUW
Roar Rookie
if the ref gets something wrong - in Europe , gallagher and urc - the tmo gets in his ear and corrects him i have seen many times when the tmo has moved the penalty or free kick to a nearly correct location , when ref gets it wrong. this is why i say - before adding too many things to the already brewing soup - try to get it right with the basic ingredients. watch European reffing if u can - i think its more advanced than this. of course they also have some rubbish decisions - like the Lowe try _ but most of the time the reffing is very good. and good for people like me - whose first game is cricket - that is unless ofcourse rugger doesnot want new fans and happy catering to only those who have played
Loosey
Roar Rookie
I think the ref said he injected himself into the proceedings by throwing a Rebels player to the ground thus escalating the skirmish.
CUW
Roar Rookie
i see an obvious issue - re the yellow to red checking - coz its not the tmo who is doing it i do not think it is a good change - especially when the tmo is missing a lot anyways on live play. another issue i had was - could not hear the tmo clearly - in those 2 matches. if u watch europe - Gallagher or URC - u can clearly hear the tmo even during play. if u cant watch the Gallagher final highlights - George Ford hurt ankle falling over - and the tmo gets on the ref ear and says there is no foul play - clearly audible on theTV commentary!! its something i miss in super rugger - maybe my sat broadcaster dont have that track - i see on PRemier Sports in Asia. also its me - i dont like the spider cam rubbish at start of play - its confusing to know who is playing on which side of the pitch !!! when tmo s keep commiting simple errors - like the Lowe try - powers shud be tting on ing the decisions right 99% - rather than adding on more and making it more complicated.
Dontcallmeshirley
Guest
Agree. The YC was a joke.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
But that is not what you said. You said the game will be remembered for it. I doubt in a few years I will remember it to be honest. It doesnt seem to have caused me the trauma it has you. As I stated in my post, based on your comments on the other article where you are baying for blood (ie a 6 month ban) and labelling Ardie a grub multiple times.. I think you will likely remember the game for that incident within an incident far more than I and plenty of others. What I took away from that game was how well Hardwick played for the Rebels and Jordy for the Canes and that is the truth. I am actually interested in how players grow and develop and teams progress. I appreciate your interest in the opportunity to be outraged by the incident. I am not so personally invested in it albeit having made a couple of comments to people lke yourself. As for my honesty… You are entitled to speak ypur truth, but its dangerous territory and a little ignorant thinking you can speak mine.
Old Rugby Fan
Roar Rookie
The Hurricanes seemed to be picking the ball up in the ruck without penalty. Is this one of the Law changes?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Truth be told, we all will remember that incident. Be at least honest.