Rebels
3
Match Complete
Blues
50
| 74 |  | H. Plummer | ||
| 73 |  | A. Ioane | ||
| 66 | | H. Plummer | ||
| 65 | | A. Lam | ||
| 60 | | A. Ioane | ||
| 56 | | O. Black | ||
| 55 | | H. Sotutu | ||
| 47 | | O. Black | ||
| 46 | | H. Sotutu | ||
| 41 | | T. Robinson | ||
| 31 |  | Z. Sullivan | ||
| 25 | | O. Black | ||
| 16 | | O. Black | ||
| M. Toomua | | 10 | ||
| 6 | | O. Black |
| 0 | Tries | 6 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 4 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Melbourne Rebels face a stern test against the Blues in their Super Rugby Trans-Tasman opener. Stay on top of all the action with live scores right here on The Roar from 7:45pm (AEST).
It was a disappointing AU campaign for the Melbourne Rebels, who missed the finals and subsequently parted ways with coach Dave Wessels. Interim coach Kevin Foote faces a tough task to keep the side competitive against New Zealand’s best – and the first match is a toughie against the Blues. The Aucklanders disappointed massively by missing the Aotearoa final in 2021, so should come into the Trans-Tasman season with a serious point to prove.
The Rebels have opted to shuffle their back row for tonight’s contest, naming Josh Kemeny and Richard Hardwick as the flankers and placing Michael Wells at no.8. Ross Haylett-Petty and Rob Leota make up the second row once more, while Lachie Anderson is a chance to make an appearance on the wings after being named on the bench.
The Blues will welcome TJ Faiane back to the lineup for his 50th appearance with the Blues, while Zarn Sullivan an AJ Lam also join the run-on XV.
Game information
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEST)
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
TV: 9Gem
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Blues $1.15, Rebels $5.40 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
Rebels
1. Cameron Orr, 2. Jordan Uelese, 3. Cabous Eloff, 4. Rob Leota, 5. Ross Haylett-Petty, 6. Josh Kemeny, 7. Richard Hardwick, 8. Michael Wells, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Matt To’omua, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Campbell Magnay, 13. Stacey Ili, 14. Frank Lomani, 15. Tom Pincus
Bench: 16. James Hanson, 17. Matt Gibbon, 18. Lucio Sordoni, 19. Steve Cummins, 20. Michael Icely, 21. James Tuttle, 22. Carter Gordon, 23. Lachie Anderson
Blues
1. Karl Tu’inukuafe, 2. Kurt Eklund, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 5. Josh Goodhue, 6. Tom Robinson (c), 7. Adrian Choat, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Otere Black, 11. AJ Lam, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Bryce Heem, 15. Zarn Sullivan
Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Ofa Tuungafasi, 18. Nepo Laulala, 19. Jacob Pierce, 20. Akira Ioane, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Mark Telea
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
Yes but you haven't told me anything that would change my cynical opinion. Bart Campbell has just as much conflict as David Kirk. It's a fascinating position to watch. NZ has the brand but no volume (population) but AU has the numbers and money but not the winning ways. e.g. The Victorian Gov just announced they are investing $100m into Rugby Infrastructure in Rebels land and that's just one state and an ordinary team. The Force buildup is now the model for us going forward. A portfolio approach to importing skilled and experienced players to help us win a bit more incl. NZ expats.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@Greysie Not hard to do. Force at least have good defence :thumbup:
Highlander
Roar Guru
He was RT, but must be said he has had a soft season. But just the man to bring on when you are winning by 30????????
Old Bugger
Guest
Im surprised you consider NZR's approach to PE is naive. There are 26 provincial unions, NZMaori Board, NZRW and NZRPA that NZR has to discuss the SL offer and reach an agreement, to proceed. They have spent the last 4mths doing that and when the vote was called, all but the NZRPA, gave their unanimous and decisive confirmation, for the SL offer to be accepted. The players and NZRPA believe the game in NZ will be compromised by accepting this SL offer. And last week, they offered a counter to SL's deal with an in-country offer from a local PE firm - Forsyth-Barr. Where was this offer when NZR took the SL deal on the road? Why did it take so long for NZRPA to come forward, with this alternative? And why did this alternative go to the media before it was presented, as an 11th-hour proposal? Perhaps more significant IMO is the role of David Kirk, in this whole saga. You see, your Capt Kirk is not only the Chairman of Forsyth-Barr but he is also, the Chairman of the NZRPA. Do you think there's a potential conflict of interest, in this alternate proposal? Not to mention the release by NZRPA of NZR's commercial information without, NZR's concurrence. How naive NZRPA have been to release their alternative, under such circumstance. Just as well this is a battle between sports bodies because if it was between two businesses, then I suggest, the whole matter would be heading for the law court. Who knows - it might get there, in the end.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Actually I thought he was quite good when he came on
J Jones
Roar Rookie
5-0 Can't wait to hear all the "reasons" coming out of Straya
J Jones
Roar Rookie
5-0
Greysy
Roar Rookie
And sounds like the Force played better than the Rebels
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
You were right Greysie Cheifs had a bad night at office :thumbup:
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Toomua, is done and should stick to Bowling.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
They were out-terribled
Double Agent
Guest
"Blues already look terrible" GOLD!! :laughing: :laughing:
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Stan is crap . Only RA could find it.
Double Agent
Guest
It seems to me your quoted law needs to be a whole lot more specific.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Just getting a bit frantic... Need to settle
Double Agent
Guest
I remember hearing Piggy Riddell saying that every team needed a hard nut slightly mental Ranga.
Double Agent
Guest
"Super Rugby AU created a fake impression of quality rugby." It was quality Rugby. But what is quality Rugby? I've seen it in Juniors,schoolboys,Subbies,Grade,Super and Internationals. If you thought that all of a sudden we'd beat kiwi Super Rugby teams after 25 years of mostly losing to them then more fool you.
Double Agent
Guest
At the beginning of the season I assumed Toomua would be a lock in for Wallaby 12 this year but I'd be very surprised if DR picked him now.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Hard as it is to believe this Chiefs scrum schooled the Blues AB front row one ... so ominous ...
Faith
Roar Rookie
By the end of this game hope its not about Murphy but the play