Fullback Andrew Kellaway has marshalled Melbourne to a morale-boosting 26-21 victory over Fijian Drua in their final Super Rugby Pacific trial, ending a horror week on a bright note.
The Wallabies utility is set to start in the No.15 jersey for the Rebels’ opening round match against the ACT in Melbourne next Friday night, after also impressing in their previous trial win over NSW.
Financially-stricken Melbourne’s future appears on the brink after they entered into voluntary administration with debts exceeding $20 million and with chief executive Baden Stephenson among staff cut this week.
While they wait to hear if the club survives beyond this season the players, whose contracts have been guaranteed by Rugby Australia, got on with what they do best.
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Although World Cup five-eighth Carter Gordon touched down for Melbourne, the home side trailed 21-7 at halftime after a scrappy performance despite fielding their first-choice side.
In the final minutes, exciting young winger Darby Lancaster – who’s set to be part of Australia’s sevens team at the Paris Olympics – fired a perfectly-timed pass to fellow winger Lachie Anderson for the match-winning try.
Gordon looked sharp in the halves with Ryan Louwrens, while other stand-outs included new recruits in winger Filipo Daugunu and lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, as well as backrowers Josh Kemeny and skipper Rob Leota.
Another ex-Red, star prop Taniela Tupou, clocked another busy first half among a monster Melbourne pack before mass changes for the second half.
Kellaway, who played the full 80 minutes, said his team tightened up their game in the second half rather than try to match the flamboyant Fijians.
“We probably played too loose to begin and put ourselves under a bit of pressure and our discipline, which is the same old story for us, needed to tighten up,” said the 28-year-old, who was also part of the Wallabies’ World Cup flop.
Kellaway said the players were able to stay focused on their final hit-out rather than being distracted by the emotions of losing long-term staff.
Andrew Kellaway gets tackled during their Melbourne Rebels and Fijian Drua pre-season clash at Gosch’s Paddock. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
“Everything that sort of happened has been well and truly above our pay grade so we haven’t seen a great deal of what’s been going on, outside of what’s been in the media,” he said.
“Wednesday (the redundancies) was a pretty tough day for everyone but we’re lucky that we’re very protected from that … although it’s important to acknowledge the work that those people who have left us have done.
“But in terms of how that impacted the group, not as much as people might think.
“The emotional side of things is important because we’re dealing with humans but the big work-on for our team is to take the emotion out of the game.”
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
A website I checked ( prominent Australian rugby site) said the game started at 5:30pm, but i got to see the 2nd half at least and was a good atmosphere and shows what having a local team brings to the community.
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Shoutout to the Fijian Melbournians who cheered both teams.. was good to be on the sideline close to the action with a few Storm boys watching on, maybe they'll make the switch?!?!?
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
Typical Rebels draw: a Friday night again. Could be worse. They scheduled the Force vs Reds for 5pm on a Thursday night in 2017. I left work early but still just managed to see the second half.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
By my count about 500 watched the match. What a great evening! Conditions were mild. The southerly wind picked up a little in the second half. The Rebels were into the wind after half time. I can't comment on the niceties of play in the first half as the Drua piled on points, because all that happened down the other end. But in the second half the Rebels attack began to bite because better defence meant they were launching from further up field. I really like the Rebels on attack. Their passing and willingness to take the hit is intelligent and excellent. Another exciting thing about the Rebels are they aren't giving up. To come from two tries down to beat a quasi-international side is quite something. A big shout-out to Lachie Anderson for scoring the winning try in the corner directly in front of us. His bravery as he went for the line as the Drua cover defence was coming across to take him out - it was quite something, I really thought I was watching a hospitalisation unfold. The Rebels have a lot going for them, judging from the two warm-up matches this year. I'll be heading to AAMI Park for next Friday against the Brumbies. Typical Rebels draw: a Friday night again.
robbo999
Roar Rookie
"Loose" is a bit of an understatement. Okay on attack but on defence a rabble, especially on the goal line. Thankfully at half time they sorted it out. Two weeks in a row they have had slow starts. The second half was much better: made their tackles and threw some great passes and were fitter than the Drua at the end. Good signs. Decent crowd with many Fijian supporters and a straggle of passing Swifties making their way to the 'G'. One or two "ex" directors in the crowd. The staff looked upbeat. Onward to round 1.
Paul
Roar Rookie
Glad the players have been able to get out onto the park after the week they've had. Couldnt make it to Gosch's paddock, but looking forward to round 1.