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Rebels
30
Match Complete
Reds
24
| 82 |  | B. Hegarty | ||
| R. Hodge | | 78 | ||
| 69 | | B. Hegarty | ||
| R. Hodge | | 59 | ||
| 56 |  | B. Hegarty | ||
| 55 |  | H. Hoopert | ||
| D. Haylett-Petty | | 50 | ||
| T. Faulkner | | 43 | ||
| 37 | | I. Lucas | ||
| Q. Cooper | | 32 | ||
| A. Rangi | | 31 | ||
| 26 | | B. Hegarty | ||
| Q. Cooper | | 18 | ||
| M. Koroibete | | 17 | ||
| 6 | | B. Hegarty |
| 4 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 4 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The Reds travel to Melbourne to face the Rebels with plenty to play for, including (depending on other results) top spot in the Australian conference. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog, starting from 7:45pm AEST.
Given the nature of the ladder at the moment (Rebels and Brumbies both on 24 points, Reds on 22 and Waratahs on 21), the chance to prevent another Aussie team from acquiring competition points should provide both sides with plenty of motivation.
The other major source of motivation is the chance to nail down a World Cup spot for the Wallabies. Rebels halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper both started the season in terrific form, catapulting the Rebels to the top of the Australian conference.
While Genia’s form has remained steady in spite of the Rebels’ form of late, Cooper’s form has dropped off significantly.
As has often been the case throughout his career, questions surround his consistency, with many suggesting that the difference between his best and his worst is too great to risk having him in the Wallabies side.
This game is the perfect opportunity for Cooper to dismiss those concerns.
It’ll also be a big game for Rebels captain and fullback Dane Haylett-Petty, who is the favourite to replace the disgraced Israel Folau at fullback for the Wallabies.
The fact that he has forced Folau to the right wing at times shows how highly valued he is by Michael Cheika.
However, he has missed quite a bit of rugby this year, and with Tom Banks in great form for the Brumbies, Haylett-Petty has plenty to play for.
For the Reds, all eyes will be on young halfback Tate McDermott. While Genia is fairly certain to start for the Wallabies come the World Cup, who will be his deputy is still quite up in the air.
The 20-year-old has a big future ahead of him, and a good showing against the Australian halfback will further his cause considerably.
Prediction
The pressure will be on Cooper and Genia to return the Rebels to the winner’s circle after last week’s loss to the Hurricanes in which they conceded 26 unanswered points in the first half.
The experienced halves pair will no doubt bring their A-Game and rise to the occasion against the team with which they won the 2011 Super Rugby – there’s always plenty of motivation when one comes up against their former team.
The Reds are in good form at the moment, having defeated the Sharks in South Africa 2 weeks ago and the Sunwolves at home last week.
However, it’s hard to put winning streaks together in Super Rugby, as all sides bar the Crusaders can attest to this year.
The Rebels got the win 32-13 in the previous clash earlier in the season, and they’ll be good enough at home to repeat that result.
Rebels by 10.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm AEST.
Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne
When: 7:45pm
Streaming: Kayo Sports
TV: Fox Sports
Rebels (15-1)
Dane Haylett-Petty (c), Jack Maddocks, Reece Hodge, Billy Meakes, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Isi Naisarani, Angus Cottrell, Luke Jones, Matt Philip, Ross Haylett-Petty, Jermaine Ainsley, Anaru Rangi, Tetera Faulkner
Reserves: Hugh Roach, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Pone Fa’amausili, Rob Leota, Richard Hardwick, Michael Ruru, Campbell Magnay
Reds (15-1)
Hamish Stewart, Jock Campbell, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi (c), Sefa Naivalu, Bryce Hegarty, Tate McDermott, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Angus Blyth, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, JP Smith
Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Hoopert, Ruan Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Caleb Timu, Moses Sorovi, Duncan Paia’aua, Isaac Lucas
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.