Melbourne Rebels
26
Match Complete
Moana Pasifika
22
| 76 |  | T. Tavatavanawai | ||
| A. Kellaway | | 61 | ||
| R. Hodge |  | 53 | ||
| R. Hodge | | 52 | ||
| 49 | | C. Lealiifano | ||
| 48 | | A. Pole | ||
| 34 |  | C. Lealiifano | ||
| R. Hodge | | 27 | ||
| J. Hanson | | 26 | ||
| R. Hodge | | 18 | ||
| J. Hanson | | 16 | ||
| 10 | | C. Lealiifano | ||
| 9 | | A. Motuga |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Super Rugby Pacific round 11 continues with the Melbourne Rebels welcoming Moana Pasifika to AAMI Park, Melbourne in a clash that will see some of the biggest men in Super Rugby collide. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:45pm AEST.
Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger has made 10 changes to his side that played against the Chiefs a couple of weeks ago with hooker Ray Niuia, second rower Veikoso Poloniati and flanker Michael Curry the only players in the pack who have survived the cull.
One exciting change in the backs sees the impressive Danny Toala moving from the centres to fullback. It will be exciting to see Toala get some more space and ball and be able to insert himself into the attacking line with some more freedom.
There has been plenty of talk about how the Moana Pasifika side have been treated in this year’s competition – they had to play five times in 16 days earlier this season and then had their match against the Force last week cancelled while they were in the air heading to Western Australia. They will see this match against the Rebels as a very good chance to achieve their second win of the season so fans should expect a powerful and passionate performance.
The Rebels however will not go quietly into the night and are meeting power with power as 130kg prop Pone Fa’amausili will make a popular return to the side after a horrible run of calf injuries.
Key forward Rob Leota continues his return from injury after his first game back last week and he will be crucial as the Rebels look to get forward dominance early in the game. The Rebels are sadly light on experience in the halves and centres unfortunately but they do have Andrew Kellaway and Reece Hodge in the back three – both will need to have good games in both defence and attack for the Rebels to succeed at home this week.
Game Information
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEST)
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Rebels $1.40, Moana Pasifika $2.90 – odds via PlayUp
Rebels (1-15): Cameron Orr, James Hanson, Cabous Eloff, Matt Philip, Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Richard Hardwick, Michael Wells (c), James Tuttle, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, Ray Nu’u, Stacey Ili, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge.
Reserves: Efi Ma’afu, Matt Gibbon, Pone Fa’amausili, Josh Hill, Tamati Ioane, Joe Powell, Nick Jooste, George Worth.
Moana (1-15): Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Veikoso Poloniati, Sam Slade, Michael Curry, Alamanda Motuga, Henry Time-Stowers, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali’ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainga’anuku, Danny Toala.
Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Londermuth, Joe ‘Apikotoa, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Solomone Kata
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Yep, that was a cracking effort!
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I think you've got to give credit to Carter Gordon for chasing him down and knocking the ball out of his hands. Reminiscent of Gregan/Wilson.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
You’d have to assume most rugby players would have found touch. The poor fella will be tossing and turning in his sleep tonight.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Gee, ya gotta feel for that MP player who dropped the ball over the line, then missed the kick for touch. Both pretty basic fundamentals. Great win by the Rebels though.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Just wanting to point out that the Oz teams are currently being steered around the park by very inexperienced 10s at the moment. A lot of pressure on such inexperienced shoulders to game manage at this level. Getting a few wins and pushing the Kiwi teams is promising.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Watching on delay, Gordon has taken a big step up today. Great to see
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
MK..is tuipolotu that was an all black playing for Moana or is that someone else..it looks like there is a couple of all black players in their squad or am I mistaking..
Steve
Guest
What a weird sequence of events. That was so dumb from Tu’u, just back from suspension. Exactly what they are trying to stamp out. Shame it had to be on Christian as well - can’t help feel he was the man to step up and take that opportunity.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
The Radox is going to get a workout after that game I reckon
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Congratulations Rebels and to their supporters, MP brought it but lacked the leadership and structure when needed. Another great close game, MP with more positives moving forward.
Dicky
Roar Rookie
Apparently Nu’u has just come back from a World Rugby educational course on safe tackling :laughing:
Paul D
Roar Rookie
That’s 5 from 5. Just the Brumbies to get up for a clean sweep
Adam
Roar Guru
Nor should he. Barry crocker that one
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Oh mate..what a let down with that final kick by moana player..
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Ouch. Have to assume Christian would have found touch. Bit anticlimactic after all of that.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Why not just aim for the ribs? He won't play again this season.
BlouBul
Roar Rookie
He obviously is to stupid to learn
Tim J
Roar Rookie
MP have not given up, but I feel that they have left it too late.
76
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Can't blame kelleway for that..that nr 11 is hard to stop..he has breaking tackles all game now..