Melbourne Rebels
40
Match Complete
Queensland Reds
34
| C. Gordon |  | 68 | ||
| A. Smith |  | 67 | ||
| 65 |  | J. O'Connor | ||
| C. Gordon | | 57 | ||
| J. Pincus | | 56 | ||
| 54 | | J. O'Connor | ||
| 53 | | J. Flook | ||
| 50 | | R. Smith | ||
| 44 | | J. Petaia | ||
| V. Ekuasi | | 37 | ||
| C. Gordon | | 32 | ||
| M. Gibbon | | 30 | ||
| C. Gordon | | 25 | ||
| J. Kemeny | | 23 | ||
| C. Gordon | | 18 | ||
| R. Louwrens | | 17 | ||
| 16 | | J. O'Connor | ||
| 15 | | J. Petaia | ||
| 10 | | J. O'Connor | ||
| 9 | | J. Flook |
| 6 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Rebels host the Reds on Saturday evening at AAMI Park, Melbourne. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 7:35pm (AEDT).
This is a moment of truth for both teams. Defying early season expectations, the Rebels have shown great improvement so far this year. Interplay between their backs and forwards have been a great watch. Can they kick on from here?
The Reds have not shown improvements yet, especially against Kiwi teams. They almost lost to the Drua, and were trounced by the Brumbies. Can the Reds redeem themselves?
Last week, the Rebels suffered a similar defeat as the Reds against New Zealand opponents, But they managed to score four tries against the competition leaders. The Reds scored only one try against the Hurricanes in round one. As a comparison, the Rebels scored five tries against the Wellingtonians in round two.
Today is expected to be typical Melbourne weather, which hopefully will be a dry track for the most part. The attack should be in full display for both teams, especially the playmakers and backrowers. Second-half action should be exciting, when the tired factor kicks in.
Against the Chiefs, the Rebels scored lots of tries, but they fell asleep in defence on either side of the halftime break and let in four successive Chief tries. The Reds are bristling with talent, but their attack is unable to perform against strong teams. So today, we will see how strong the Rebels are.
In terms of defence, this is a good opportunity for both teams to get their act together. But I do not expect much. Breakdown efficiency is still an issue for both teams, in particular the Reds.
The forwards battle will be big. The front row from both sides will be interesting partly because all of them except one played for the Reds at one time or the other. I suspect the second-half front row from the Rebels will get the better of the Reds and will impact the outcome heavily.
Regarding the backs, the Reds’ Tom Lynagh is out for a fortnight. It is hard to tell how many rings Sam Gordon will run around James O’Connor. But O’Connor should be able to exploit plenty of opportunities. The outer backs from the Reds are better known, with more Wallaby caps, but it seems the Rebels are able to deploy their centres and speedsters more effectively this year.
Prediction
This does not seem to be the Rebels of old. I think they will score tries, especially as their super subs enter the fray. The Reds are favourites – if lucky, they will squeak out a win. But I am guessing an upset is in the cards.
Game information
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 7.35pm (AEDT)
TV: 9Gem
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Rebels $2.75, Reds $1.45 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Trevor Hosea, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, David Feliuai, Stacey Ili, Lachie Anderson, Joe Pincus.
Replacements: Anaru Rangi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Glen Vaihu, Nick Jooste.
Reds (1-15): Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Jake Upfield, Connor Anderson, Tate McDermott, Isaac Henry, Taj Annan.
Referee: Graham Cooper
Machooka
Roar Guru
I DO DO.. :laughing:
Harry Jones
Expert
For tipping reasons … I do NOT like it
RobC
Roar Guru
It was close!
Machooka
Roar Guru
Can you Dig it.. I can :silly: Sorry MrRobC.. missed this unmissable live blog. Was digging it with other shyte. For tipping reasons only.. glad Webels won. :thumbup: :rugby: :happy:
Reggie C
Roar Rookie
Game of the round surely and one of the best games of the season so far. Heartwarming for rugby fans who’ve endured a fairly lacklustre start to the season. If Eddie Jones can bottle of that “fast, fearless, resolute“ mantra of the Rebels, the Wallabies might be in with a chance at the WC. The Reds put in too and it could’ve gone either way. Yes, there were mistakes, but you have to expect that in a game of real speed and intensity. Contentious referee decisions went both ways, so no complaint there. No shame on the Reds for losing… they almost won it at the death… but what might hurt a bit is that ex Red Nick Stiles, who is now doing the recruiting for the Rebels, has clearly done a brilliant job. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of their new names end up in the wider Wallabies squad. Looking ahead, I still see O’Connor as number one for Wallabies 10. He had a good game last night, but so did Carter Gordon for the Rebels, and he must be in the squad. It’s not just his energy on the ball…he has a great kicking game… some of his clearances last night were outstanding. Cooper has a great skill set, but I’m not sure about his rugby intellect. Lolesio has had plenty of chances, but hasn’t shown enough. As to halfback, White is clearly first pick, but, for mine, second spot is up for grabs. McDermott has been disappointing… he plays like a headless chook at times, and makes too many mistakes. Louwrens, Thomas and Tuttle all played better last night. Gordon, apart from the odd intercept, has not shown enough flair. Maybe Lonergan as second pick? …but there are others (see above) stepping up too.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Clearing out past the ruck is a disease in the game. Some teams twist the game towards gridiron
Rugbynutter
Roar Rookie
Reds roster lacking..hard to see them troubling kiwi sides
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
People do. Even when the lift button that was sticky three weeks ago, failed tonight so I could not summon the lift to access the concourse for my disabled companion. The facility management at AAMI Park is bad. We were told 3 weeks ago that management knew the lift was an unreliable problem. A painful trek up a long set of steps was the "workaround". My point being that some of us are quite determined about getting into the ground to see the rugby.
RobC
Roar Guru
I can Dig that
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
What. a. Game. From a neutral
Qualify
Roar Rookie
Jip. Stupid behavior by the lock.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't complain if Wright and Wilken are our 6 and 7 come test match season.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
In fairness they were just beaten.they showed some ticker second half ,they missed Paisami who was in everything early.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Ah missed that, i was under the impression it was only a knock. That’s a big loss but hopefully Ekuasi can fill it
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Same as his uncle.
Just call me Campo
Roar Rookie
I found that a very entertaining game. I have to say though, the crowds are very disappointing at all the Aussie games at least. My Mrs watched for a bit and said do you reckon the players find that a bit demoralising. My reflections on that are that the game has sped up a bit, there is no lying around on the ground pretending they are hurt. A lot of that rubbish has miraculously disappeared. So do the players need to take responsibility for the previous cynical tactics which virtually make the sport unmatchable and explain why there is no crown. The league in Brisbane was a full house and the Aussie rules pulls huge crowds and they are ridiculous sports imho. Will we ever come back? 30 years ago you count get a ticket to the Bledisloe for love or money.
RobC
Roar Guru
The kick was from Wilson that's after he stripped the pill from Ioane
Steve Lenthall
Roar Guru
They said 8 weeks for Hardwick
Rugbynutter
Roar Rookie
I did say when tahs in form…they were better against chiefs
freddieeffer
Roar Rookie
I think the Tahs have more up-side in them than the Reds, Harry. The Tahs will win a few soon, but I'm not seeing any up-side with the Reds, based on the first few games, and the last 18 months. I think they've peaked a while ago and they're dead ducks this year.