Roar Rookie
Well, here we are at the run in to the finals and lo, the Rebels are genuinely in the mix after their stunning win over the Chiefs.
This team has become competitive in a non-rugby city with a playing roster which, on paper, is nowhere near its competitors which often have internationals in abundance.
In the last three weeks the Rebels have beaten the Chiefs by 1, the Brumbies by 5 and lost to the Waratahs by 2. These are top-six teams playing for the title at the business end of the season.
This means the Rebels are genuine contenders and, if they manage to edge into the playoffs, have a decent chance of winning against most. They currently sit 10th on the Super Rugby table, but are only a win off the Lions and Crusaders with a game in hand.
The Rebels have been consistent all year, with their only real dusting being by the Hurricanes in Wellington. This is no disgrace as the Canes are clearly the team of the tournament so far with the most outstanding attack. They defend pretty well too.
So how was this team developed so well? A logical assumption might be that the club management chose its coach wisely.
Tony McGahan is well regarded for his work in Ireland and was recruited into the Wallaby set-up. I would hope ambition led to his move to the Rebels head coach job.
A second logical assumption is that McGahan has recruited smartly. The team is solid without being star-studded and plays together well as a unit. In Jack Debreczeni he looks to have recruited a Wallaby playmaker for the future. Perhaps the near future.
A final thought. The NRL set up a wonderful franchise in Melbourne which has won a couple of undisputed premierships and come second other times. I get the feeling the Rebels are on the cusp of being similar if they can recruit or develop three or four of the best.